"We are thoroughly reviewing with related companies to determine whether any human rights violations occurred," Kang Yu-jung, spokesperson for the South Korean presidential office, said today, referring to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid on a Hyundai and LG battery plant in Georgia on 4/9.
Kang added that the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also reviewing whether South Korea's requests have been adequately addressed by the US. Seoul emphasized that the rights and dignity of South Korean citizens cannot be unjustly violated and expressed regret over the incident.
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Kang Yu-jung, spokesperson for the South Korean presidential office, during a press conference in Seoul on 15/9. _Photo: Yonhap_ |
"Some of our requests have been accepted, and there have been improvements. However, we will continue to see if there are any remaining issues that are unsatisfactory regarding our citizens," she said.
Kang said that not only South Korea but also the US will investigate potential shortcomings in the measures taken by US law enforcement officials toward the South Korean workers.
ICE agents and US law enforcement officials detained approximately 475 people, including over 300 South Korean workers, in the raid at the LG and Hyundai plant. This was the largest single-site raid by the Department of Homeland Security targeting a single location since President Donald Trump launched a nationwide crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
South Korea repatriated 316 workers after a week in ICE custody. The workers reported being held in cramped spaces, with moldy mattresses, freezing temperatures, and inadequate sanitation. Some described being shackled at the ankles, waist, and neck during the arrests and subjected to rough treatment.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung described the ICE raid as "disconcerting" and potentially detrimental to future investments in the US. He suggested South Korean companies might question the value of building more factories in the US if they face such potential risks.
On 14/9, Trump reassured that Washington still "welcomes" foreign workers and doesn't want to "scare investors."
Thanh Tam _(Yonhap, AFP)_
