by Bryan County, GA – Federal authorities confirmed that 475 individuals were detained during a massive raid at the HLGA battery plant site in southeast Georgia on Thursday. Officials described the event as the largest single-site enforcement operation ever conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution became the center of a months-long federal probe into alleged unlawful employment practices and potential federal crimes.
Details of the Raid
According to U.S. Attorney Meg Heap and HSI Special Agent in Charge Steve Schrank, the raid was carried out under a judicial search warrant. Authorities emphasized this was not a random immigration sweep but a targeted investigation based on evidence, interviews, and court approval.
“This was not an immigration operation where agents went in and rounded up folks,” Schrank clarified. “This was a multi-month criminal investigation, and it is, in fact, the largest single-site enforcement operation in HSI’s history.”
Who Was Detained?
Of those encountered, 475 people were determined to be either in the country illegally or otherwise violating their immigration status. A significant portion were identified as Korean nationals, though authorities continue to review the nationality breakdown.
Those detained were primarily employees of contractors and subcontractors working at the site, not directly employed by Hyundai. Many of the individuals are now being held in ICE custody, with transfers reported to the Folkston ICE Processing Center.
Safety and Conduct of the Operation
Authorities reported no serious injuries during the raid. One worker required treatment for overheating, while an agent sustained a minor cut.
The operation was a multi-agency effort, involving HSI, ICE, FBI, ATF Atlanta, and the Georgia State Patrol. ATF Atlanta later posted photos of the raid on social media.
Investigation and Employer Accountability
Officials confirmed the investigation is still ongoing, with no criminal charges filed yet. Authorities are exploring possible cases of labor trafficking, subcontracting abuses, and employer liability connected to the employment of undocumented workers.
Hyundai spokesperson Michael Stewart said the company is fully cooperating with investigators and remains “committed to abiding by all labor and immigration regulations.”
Economic Implications
The battery plant, still under construction next to Hyundai’s Metaplant America facility, is projected to create 8,500 jobs by 2030. The raid and ongoing investigation have raised questions about the potential impact on the plant’s workforce development and the future of similar projects across the region.
Do you think federal raids like this are the right way to address illegal labor practices, or should employers face tougher penalties instead? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
