"Following the immigration enforcement action at the Hyundai battery plant in Georgia, I urge all foreign companies investing in the US to respect our immigration laws," former US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on 7/9.

According to Trump, Washington welcomes foreign investment and encourages companies to "legally" bring skilled employees to create "world-class products".

"We will make it quick and easy to do this legally. In return, we ask that you hire and train American workers," Trump added.

Former US President Donald Trump at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland on 7/9. Photo: AFP

Former US President Donald Trump at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland on 7/9. Photo: AFP

Since returning to the political scene, Trump has intensified efforts to crack down on and deport undocumented immigrants. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been the primary agency responsible for this task.

ICE and other US agencies raided Hyundai and LG battery plants in Georgia on 4/9, arresting 457 undocumented workers, including over 300 South Korean citizens.

Before posting on Truth Social, Trump told the media that he would review what happened but that the incident "did not harm" his relationship with South Korea. He also floated the idea of facilitating the entry of some foreign production specialists to help train American workers.

South Korean Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik announced on 7/9 that South Korea had negotiated with the US for the release of its citizens arrested in the raid. The workers were expected to fly home on 10/9.

South Korea, Asia's 4th-largest economy, is a major producer of automobiles and electronics, with many factories in the US. South Korean companies have invested billions of USD in building US plants to access the market and avoid tariff threats from the Trump administration. In July, South Korea pledged to invest 350 billion USD in the US.

Huyen Le (AFP, Reuters)