Ice arrests at the Georgia Hyundai factory creates a new tension with South Korea: NPR

South Korea Foreign Minister is considering a trip to the United States to meet the Trump administration after the arrest of hundreds of South Korea citizens in Georgia this week at the electric vehicle battery factory.

“We are very concerned and feel very responsible for the arrest of our citizens,” Foreign Minister Zhu Hyun said at the Seoul Emergency Meeting. Yonhap News Agency.

He said that South Korean President Lee Jay Meongj called for comprehensive efforts to solve this issue, and Yonhap stated, “The rights and interests of South Korea citizens and commercial operations of South Korean companies that invest in the United States should not violate.”

American immigration and customs agents arrested 475 people, most of them citizens of South Korea, in a raid on Thursday at a massive electric vehicle battery factory under construction in Ilapelle, Georgia, near Savana. The plant is Joint project Between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution.

Ice video has been released Officials say the largest enforcement process in one sites in the history of internal security investigations. It shows the officers to the workers and download them on Georgia Prison Buses.

“This process confirms our commitment to protecting the functions of Georgian and Americans,” Stephen Sheeranik, a special agent responsible for investigations into the internal security of Georgia and Alabama. “We send a clear and uncomfortable message that those who take advantage of our working power, undermine our economy and violate federal laws will be held accountable.”

He said that it was not practical as the agents simply assembled people and put them on buses, but as a result of an investigation for months. Shrank said that the workers were either illegally present in the United States or illegally working.

The arrests add tension with a major ally at a time when President Trump was paying for commercial deals and more investment in South Korea in the United States, Hyundai, too. Auto factory in Montgomery, AlaaAnd announced plans to invest more than $ 5 billion in A. Steel Factory in Louisiana.

“I would like to say that they were illegal foreigners, and the ice was doing his job,” Trump said when asked about the raid at the White House on Friday.

The American Democratic Senator Rafael Warroc of Georgia says the raid raises questions about the president’s migration strategy and how companies have been able to employ workers without appropriate documents.

“The companies should not be able to get rich in Georgia by exploiting migrant workers and endangering the risk of raids and violations of political motives,” Warrenuk said. In a statement. “It is bad for our economy, bad for Georgia’s workers, and bad for the families of Georgia committed to law living in fear of this administration.”

Hyundai Motor Co. It works to understand the specific conditions of arrests.

“On our current understanding, none of the detainees are employed directly by Hyundai Motor Companyy,” the company said. In a statementAnd promising to conduct an internal investigation in compliance with employment.

“Hyundai is not to forgive with those who do not follow the law,” he said.

In a statement to Yonhap on SaturdayLG Energy Solution said it had stopped all work trips to the United States and asked workers visiting the United States to stay in their places of residence or return to South Korea immediately. The company said that the chief human resource employee is heading to the United States to address issues on the site.

“We will do our best to resolve the situation immediately, including ensuring the fast and safe return for all employees,” said LG Energy Solution.

Georgia officials have described Hyundai Metapant America as a country game change.

Republican ruler Brian Keteb said he presented “Historical Benefits” And new opportunities for workers. NPR did not hear from requesting a comment from the ruler’s office. But a spokesperson for KEMP, which has not been called, He said in a statement issued to the local media The state will always implement the law, including the Federal Immigration Law. “All companies operating within the country must follow the laws of Georgia and our nation.”

The campaign also receives support from the Republican Senate candidate and a member of Congress Body Carter, whose area includes the location of the factory in Ilabel, Georgia.

“I salute the Trump administration and our brave law enforcement officers to take bold measures to put American workers first and protect our societies from the illegal immigration scourge,” Carter said. In the publication of social media. “For anyone who believes he can occupy jobs from diligent Americans and give them illegal immigrants, note: not under the hour of Donald Trump.”