South Korea has finalized negotiations with the US for the release of its citizens detained during a raid last week at a Hyundai and LG battery plant in Georgia, Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff to the South Korean president, announced on 7/9.

"There are some administrative procedures left. Once completed, a chartered flight will depart and bring our citizens back home," Kang said in a meeting between the ruling Democratic Party and the South Korean government.

ICE agents detain workers at the Hyundai-LG plant in Georgia on 4/9. Photo: ICE

ICE agents detain workers at the Hyundai-LG plant in Georgia on 4/9. Photo: ICE

The chief of staff added that the government is committed to improving the visa system for citizens working in the US to prevent similar incidents.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and related agencies raided the Hyundai and LG battery plant in Georgia on 4/9, detaining 457 undocumented workers, including over 300 South Korean citizens.

South Korean Consul General Cho Ki-joong visited the detention facility in Folkston, Georgia, where the South Korean citizens are being held, and informed them they could board a flight home around 10/9. South Korean diplomatic officials also met with the citizens, checking on their health and living conditions.

Since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump has intensified efforts to crack down on and deport undocumented immigrants in the US. ICE has become the primary agency responsible for this task.

Ngoc Anh (Yonhap, Korea Times, Yahoo News)