A major immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia will delay its opening by at least two months, Hyundai announced on September 11, 2025.
- Hyundai factory opening delayed two months
- US-South Korea tensions increase over raid
- 475 detained workers, mostly South Korean
- Workers' return delayed, affecting factory plans
- US-South Korea trade deal under scrutiny
- Raid impacts foreign investment and factory projects
The raid detained 475 workers, including around 300 South Koreans, and is the largest in US history. Hyundai says the delay is due to workers wanting to return home, with the plant now expected to open two to three months later than planned. The disruption has strained US-South Korea relations, with Seoul warning it could deter foreign investment. Hyundai’s CEO, José Muñoz, said the company is working to fill the positions of departing workers. The raid occurred as part of a broader crackdown on undocumented workers, raising questions about the future of US-South Korea trade agreements and investment commitments.
- Hyundai’s Georgia plant opening is delayed by 2-3 months due to worker departures.
- The raid detained 475 workers, including 300 South Koreans, in the largest US immigration raid ever.
- South Korean officials say many workers were sent temporarily to help set up the factory.
- Seoul warns that such immigration crackdowns could make US factory projects more difficult.
The incident raises concerns about the viability of the US-South Korea trade deal, which included Hyundai’s $26 billion investment. The project was part of Georgia’s largest economic development effort, creating 8,500 jobs. Hyundai and other companies now face uncertainty about future overseas factory plans amid increased immigration enforcement.
Hyundai is assessing how to replace the workers leaving for South Korea. The delay could impact future investments and US manufacturing goals.
