The South Korean president Lee Jae Myung ordered a full-scale response after hundreds of South Koreans were arrested in an immigration raid by the US at a Hyundai motor car battery plant.
US officials have described the Georgia factory as being the biggest single site enforcement operation ever in the Department of Homeland Security’s history.
Cho Hyun, the Foreign Minister of South Korea said that on Saturday the government had formed a special team to handle the aftermath of the raid on Thursday. The raid involved more than 300 South Koreans being detained.
If necessary, he said he would travel to Washington and hold discussions with US officials.
I am very concerned. Cho, during an urgent government meeting, said: “I feel heavy responsibility regarding the arrest of our citizens.”
These arrests occur at a time when US-South Korea relationships are sensitive.
Seoul is Washington’s most important ally in Asia, and it has been a significant investor in the United States.
Trump’s administration has recently had disagreements with South Korea over the details of a $350 billion trade agreement tied to South Korean investments.
The incident, say observers, could increase tensions between two governments and strain an economic relationship that is already strained.
The ICE raid
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted a raid that resulted with the arrest of 475 people, among them more than 300 South Koreans.
Video released by US officials showed Asians shackled around the waist and ankles while boarding buses.
During the operation, helicopters and armored vehicles were also used.
Workers wearing yellow vests were identified as belonging to “Hyundai”, “LG CNS” or “LG CNS”.
Before being arrested, two individuals tried to hide in a pond.
Steven N. Schrank defended Saturday’s raid as Special Agent for Homeland Security Investigations, Georgia and Alabama.
The operation, he said, sent a strong message to employers and employees regarding compliance with immigration laws.
Schrank stated that “we welcome any company who wants to invest in America. If they have to hire workers for construction or other projects then they can do so, but only if it is done legally.”
This operation is a message to those who abuse the system or undermine our workers that they will be held responsible.
Companies respond
Hyundai has said that it will review all of its sub-contractors and suppliers to make sure they adhere to the regulations.
LG Energy Solution is collaborating with the company on a factory near Savannah.
LG Energy Solution reported that 47 employees of the company were arrested in this raid along with 250 contractors working at the joint-venture site.
It also said that the company had suspended all travel in the United States except for meetings with customers and recalled its employees who were on business trips there.
As new information becomes available, this post South Korean President promises help to citizens detained in US Immigration raid could be updated.
