South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stated that the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid, along with other agencies, on Hyundai and LG battery plants in Georgia, which resulted in the detention of over 300 South Korean workers, has caused "dismay" and "could have a major impact on future investment decisions, particularly when evaluating the feasibility of direct operations in the US".
He attributed the raid to "cultural differences," noting that minor visa violations by US citizens in South Korea are not considered "serious issues".
"South Korean companies are now questioning whether establishing plants in the US is worth the potential risks," Lee said, adding that the detained workers would be repatriated on the afternoon of 11/9.
 |
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung during a visit to a Korean-owned shipyard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, on 26/8. Photo: AFP |
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung during a visit to a Korean-owned shipyard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, on 26/8. Photo: AFP
A South Korean Foreign Ministry official in the US said the workers' return flight was previously delayed due to President Donald Trump's inquiry about whether they "should stay in the US to continue working and train American workers".
However, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stated that "due to the workers' shock and exhaustion, it's best for them to return home before resuming work in the US".
The US has not yet commented on these statements.
South Korea, Asia's 4th-largest economy, is a major producer of automobiles and electronics, with numerous plants in the US. South Korean companies have invested billions of USD in building US factories to access the market and avoid tariff threats from the Trump administration. In July, South Korea pledged 350 billion USD in US investments.
During the initial project development phase, many South Korean companies send skilled workers to the US on tourist visas. This is a common practice to prevent project delays.
President Lee explained that for South Korean companies, "when establishing infrastructure, equipment, and factories, skilled technicians are essential." "Someone has to install the machinery, and the necessary workforce is currently not available in the US," he said, adding that companies have long sent engineers for short-term assignments to train local workers. "But now, even that basic request is being denied".
The raid on the Hyundai and LG battery plants is the latest in a series of operations by the Trump administration targeting undocumented immigrants.
Many South Koreans were shocked by the raid, which came after Seoul's new investment pledge and President Lee Jae-myung's meeting with President Trump in Washington on 25/8.
"Launching a major raid while calling for 'investment,' is this how Mr. Trump treats allies? This incident makes South Koreans feel betrayed," commented South Korean newspaper Hankyoreh.
Some South Korean lawmakers have even called on the government to retaliate by investigating US citizens accused of working illegally in South Korea.
Huyen Le (According to AFP)
