South Korea has announced a full review into possible human rights violations following a US immigration raid that detained nearly 500 South Korean workers in Georgia. The large-scale operation, part of Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration crackdown, has sparked outrage in Seoul and raised concerns about the future of South Korean investment in the US.
Largest Raid in Years
On 4 September, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained around 475 people, most of them South Korean nationals, at an electric vehicle battery factory construction site in Georgia. The raid was the largest single-site operation carried out since Trump resumed hardline immigration measures, shocking South Korea with images of workers chained and handcuffed.
Workers’ Shocking Accounts
Following their release and return to Seoul, several workers described harsh treatment during the raid. Some claimed they were not informed of their rights and reported being mocked by ICE agents with remarks about “North Korea” and “rocket man,” echoing Trump’s past insults toward Kim Jong-un. One worker told Yonhap News Agency: “Our rights were not read when we were arrested.”
Seoul’s Official Response
The South Korean government confirmed it is carefully reviewing whether violations occurred. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung stated, “Both our side and the US are checking if there were any shortcomings in the measures taken, and companies are also looking into it.” Kang added that a more “thorough review” is underway to examine possible human rights infringements in cooperation with the affected firms.
Investment Concerns Raised
President Lee Jae Myung condemned the raid as “bewildering,” stressing that it could deter South Korean businesses from investing in the US. “Companies can’t help but question whether setting up a plant in the US is worth the potential risks,” Lee said, warning of long-term consequences for bilateral economic ties if such incidents continue.
Diplomatic Negotiations
The release of the detained workers came after urgent diplomatic talks between Seoul and Washington. While South Korea pressed for accountability, the US has yet to issue a formal apology. The incident underscores the fragility of relations as Seoul seeks to balance economic cooperation with concerns over the treatment of its citizens abroad.
Trump’s Clarification
In what appeared to be an effort to calm investors, Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that foreign workers remain “welcome” in the US. “I don’t want to frighten off or disincentivize investment,” Trump posted, signaling that despite his immigration crackdown, Washington is keen to retain foreign capital.
Human Rights at Stake
The raid has ignited debates in both countries over the treatment of migrant workers and the balance between immigration enforcement and human rights. South Korea’s investigation could strain ties further if violations are confirmed, setting the stage for renewed scrutiny of Trump’s immigration policies and their global impact.