Immigration raid hits Biden-touted plant construction site in Georgia
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The Hyundai facility in Savannah, Georgia, which was recently targeted in a large immigration raid, had previously been praised by former President Joe Biden and other politicians as a positive development for manufacturing jobs in the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations reported that 475 individuals, primarily from South Korea and in the country illegally, were arrested during the operation at the battery plant construction site. However, Hyundai stated that none of those detained were directly employed by the company.
The incident has raised concerns about illegal practices at construction sites, as the Trump administration continues to crack down on worksite violations. Biden had lauded the project during a visit to South Korea in May 2022, highlighting the significant investment in American manufacturing and job creation.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp also commended the project last year, emphasizing the momentum it brought to the region. The collaboration between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution aims to enhance electric vehicle development in the U.S.
While some workers arrested were employed by subcontractors at the site, operations at the EV manufacturing facility were unaffected. Both Hyundai and LGES have pledged to cooperate with authorities in the investigation.
The Trump administration’s efforts to combat illegal immigration have extended to worksites across the country. In California, federal authorities clashed with Democratic officials at a cannabis farm where children were found to be working. Similar enforcement actions have taken place at other locations, including a Home Depot store in Louisiana.
The ongoing investigation at the Hyundai construction site in Georgia involves multiple federal agencies and the Georgia State Patrol. DHS described the case as complex and requiring extensive coordination.
Fox News Digital reached out to Biden’s office for comment on the matter. The reporting team at Fox News Digital, along with contributions from the Associated Press, continues to provide updates on this developing story.
Cameron Arcand, a politics writer at Fox News Digital in Washington D.C., can be contacted for story tips at Cameron.Arcand@Fox.com or on Twitter @cameron_arcand.
