(NewsNation) — Federal agents have detained roughly 475 people at a Hyundai plant in Ellabell, Georgia, in what officials are calling the “largest single site operation” in Homeland Security Investigations history.
The ICE-led raid at the HL-GA battery plant — part of a mega site by the South Korean auto company — was months in the making, said Steven Schrank, HSI special agent in charge.
Federal agents in tactical gear, supported by Georgia State Patrol, FBI and DEA, entered the facility under a criminal search warrant tied to alleged unlawful employment practices on Thursday night, NewsNation local affiliate WSAV reported.
Schrank on Friday said the hundreds of detainees were “illegally present in the United States, or in violation of their presence in the United States, working unlawfully.”
A majority of workers were South Korean nationals, per Schrank. No one was injured during the operation.
Today, @ATFAtlanta joined HSI, FBI, DEA, ICE, GSP and other agencies in a major immigration enforcement operation at the Hyundai mega site battery plant in Bryan County, GA, leading to the apprehension of ~450 unlawful aliens, emphasizing our commitment to community safety. #ATF pic.twitter.com/su6raLrLu6
— ATF Atlanta (@ATFAtlanta) September 4, 2025
South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lee Jaewoong described the number of detained South Koreans as “large” and detainees as belonging to a “network of subcontractors,” The Associated Press reported.
No criminal charges have been announced yet, but Schrank said the investigation is “an ongoing matter.”
White House responds to Hyundai plant raid in Georgia
The company behind the plant — a joint venture between Hyundai and LG — said it has temporarily paused construction.
Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson sent the following statement to WSAV in part:
“The United States is proud to be a home for major investments and looks forward to continuing to build on these historic investments and partnerships that President Trump has secured. Any foreign workers brought in for specific projects must enter the United States legally and with proper work authorizations.”
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp touted the $7.6 billion site as one of Georgia’s largest and a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for the state at a grand opening for its electric vehicle factory in March, according to local media.
“You will find this area…and specifically the people of this area to be hard-working, very dedicated, very prideful of their work … These people right here are the reason you will be successful,” Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., said at the opening.