On Thursday, federal immigration authorities executed a sweeping raid at a Hyundai facility in Ellabell, Georgia—roughly 20 miles from Savannah. The massive enforcement operation resulted in the detention of approximately 475 individuals, a majority of whom were South Korean nationals.
The raid took place at a site where Hyundai, in partnership with LG Energy Solution, is constructing a battery plant; however, Hyundai officials emphasized that none of those arrested appear to be on Hyundai’s direct payroll.
As the region has been promoted by political leaders—including President Biden—as a symbol of successful American manufacturing and job creation, the raid sparked strong reactions across the political spectrum.
“Even when Democrats pretend to be America-First, they are secretly America Last. Every. Single. Time. That is truly unbelievable,” scientist Matt Van Swol posted to X.
“We as an American company with legal workers are always cut out of those mega projects, because we are too expensive. Finally this problem gets addressed,” Maik Peters, CEO of Pitco Engineering, posted.
“Time to pull the licenses of these construction companies for hiring illegals,” another user wrote.
