Trump Halts Deportation of South Korean Workers After Hyundai-LG Plant Raid

U.S. President Donald Trump has halted the deportation of hundreds of South Korean workers arrested in an immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia, according to the Financial Times. The move follows backlash from Seoul after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) handcuffed and detained 330 South Korean employees in a surprise operation last week.

Trump reportedly instructed officials to “encourage” the detained workers to remain in the U.S. and help train American employees. The workers, originally scheduled to fly back to Seoul on Wednesday, will now stay, with all but one choosing not to return home, according to Yonhap News. South Korean diplomats confirmed that the workers’ flight is now set to depart Atlanta on Thursday with just a single passenger.

The raid sparked anger in South Korea, where officials criticized the treatment of the workers and questioned future U.S. investments. President Lee Jae Myung expressed concerns over continuing large-scale funding, despite a recent agreement committing South Korean companies to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the U.S.

Trump has emphasized that while foreign companies are welcome, they must follow U.S. immigration laws and bring in employees legally. His administration has intensified enforcement against businesses hiring undocumented workers. Earlier this week, Trump’s border czar Tom Homan vowed more raids targeting employers suspected of hiring “illegal aliens.”

This policy aligns with Trump’s broader crackdown on immigration, which includes cutting federal funds to sanctuary cities and expediting deportations. Despite tensions, reports suggest Washington and Seoul are now exploring a new visa category tailored for Korean workers, potentially easing future disputes.

The Hyundai-LG raid underscores the delicate balance between U.S. immigration enforcement and maintaining strong economic partnerships with key allies like South Korea.