Feds Detain 450 Illegal Aliens At Hyundai Raid
Federal agents stormed Hyundai’s massive $7.6 billion electric vehicle plant in Bryan County, Georgia, on Thursday, detaining approximately 450 illegal immigrants in a sweeping immigration enforcement action.
The raid, led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in coordination with the ATF, FBI, DEA, ICE, and Georgia State Patrol, was part of an ongoing criminal investigation into alleged unlawful employment practices and other federal violations at the facility.
“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,” the ATF posted.
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
Hyundai and its partner LG Energy Solution had been constructing a battery manufacturing plant adjacent to the EV factory, with plans to open in 2026. The raid prompted HL-GA Battery Company, their joint venture, to temporarily halt construction.
Bianca Johnson, a spokesperson for the plant, said, “This did not impact people getting to work. Production and normal office hours had already begun for the day.”
The South Korean government issued a formal complaint, saying that the rights of Korean citizens should not be violated during U.S. enforcement actions. South Korea’s foreign ministry dispatched diplomatic teams to the site and pressed the Biden administration for an explanation, calling the situation “regrettable.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defended the operation, stating that it was a targeted, lawful action to address criminal activity and protect American communities from illegal hiring networks.
Since President Donald Trump took office in January, ICE has reported 66,463 arrests of illegal immigrants and 145,419 deportations from detention centers — with nearly 75% of those arrested having criminal records. In June alone, ICE deported 27,970 illegal immigrants, the highest monthly figure of the year so far.
Trump officials praised the operation as a continuation of the administration’s firm stance on illegal immigration and corporate complicity. Critics have accused Hyundai of failing to vet its workforce and enabling mass-scale violations of immigration law.