Immigration raids pause construction of Hyundai battery factory in US

In a news briefing aired on US television, reported by Reuters, an agent at the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said multiple agencies “conducted a judicially authorised enforcement operation, as we are actively conducting an investigation into unlawful employment practices.”

Images shared on X by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) showed multiple workers being detained.

The ATF said that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and other agencies were involved.

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that “many of our nationals” had been detained. The Yonhap News Agency out the number at around 30.

The battery production facility, which is being constructed by Hyundai Engineering, was supposed to start operations at the end of this year and is being constructed as part of a joint venture between LG Energy Solution (LGES) and Hyundai Motor.

A spokesperson for the Hyundai-GA battery company said it has paused construction work and is co-operating fully with authorities.

Hyundai’s factory is part of a $12.6 billion investment on its ‘Metaplant America’, in the state of Georgia, which also comprises a new car factory. The factory was completed in 2024 and the first Hyundai Ioniq 5 rolled off the assembly line in October last year. It will also produce electric vehicles for Genesis and Kia, as well as hybrid vehicles.

The Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America hosted a Grand Opening celebration in March this year, two and a half years after breaking ground on the project, having entered into an agreement with the State of Georgia in May 2022.