Trump Urges Foreign Companies to Hire Americans After Hyundai Plant Raid in Georgia

President Donald Trump has called on foreign companies to comply with U.S. immigration laws and prioritize hiring American workers after a large federal raid at Hyundai Motor’s battery plant in Ellabell, Georgia. The operation, carried out last Thursday, resulted in the arrest of about 475 workers, including roughly 300 South Korean nationals.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump stressed that the United States welcomes international investment but requires compliance with immigration rules. “Your investments are welcome, and we encourage you to legally bring your very smart people, with great technical talent, to build world-class products. What we ask in return is that you hire and train American workers,” he wrote.

Trump told reporters that the raid would not affect his relationship with South Korea. He also suggested that the U.S. may consider granting entry to certain foreign manufacturing experts to train American workers legally.

The South Korean government expressed regret over the arrests and criticized the release of footage showing armored vehicles and detained workers in shackles. Officials in Seoul are currently working to assist the detained nationals.

The raid has intensified debate over immigration enforcement and labor practices at foreign-owned facilities in the United States. Trump’s comments highlight his administration’s focus on boosting domestic employment while ensuring foreign companies follow American law.

The Hyundai plant, a key part of Georgia’s growing electric vehicle industry, is under continued federal scrutiny following the arrests. The incident has fueled discussions on workforce training, immigration compliance, and the role of foreign manufacturers in America’s economic growth.