Massive Raid Conducted by Federal Agents at Hyundai Plant in Georgia, Nearly 500 Illegal Immigrants Arrested

Trump-era enforcement delivers results as federal agents arrest 475 illegal migrants in largest raid of its kind.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) announced Friday that 475 illegal migrants were arrested during a massive immigration enforcement raid at a Hyundai–LG Energy Solution battery plant construction site in Ellabell, Georgia. The action, which took place Thursday, marks the largest single-site operation HSI has ever carried out.

HSI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Steven Schrank emphasized that the crackdown targeted unlawful hiring practices undermining American workers. “We are sending a clear and unequivocal message that those who exploit our workforce, undermine our economy and violate federal laws will be held accountable,” Schrank said.

Although the raid occurred at a Hyundai facility, officials clarified that many of the detained migrants were employed by subcontractors, not directly by Hyundai. The $4.3 to $7.6 billion joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution represents the largest single industrial investment in Georgia’s history and is expected to supply batteries for Hyundai’s nearby Savannah electric vehicle plant.

Construction at the 3,000-acre site has been temporarily halted, though operations at the adjacent EV factory continue unaffected.

The Department of Homeland Security praised the joint effort with multiple agencies, including ICE, FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS, and the Georgia State Patrol, calling the raid a critical step in protecting American jobs. “This operation underscores our commitment to protecting jobs for Georgians, ensuring a level playing field for businesses that comply with the law, safeguarding the integrity of our economy, and protecting workers from exploitation,” DHS said.

While the Biden administration has repeatedly faced criticism for its lax approach to border security, the success of Thursday’s operation reflected ongoing enforcement efforts stemming from Trump-era initiatives. Previous workplace raids under the Trump administration targeted companies employing illegal labor on a large scale, restoring accountability and protecting American workers.

Foreign officials in South Korea expressed “concern and regret” over the arrests, but Hyundai insisted that none of its direct employees were detained. “As of today, it is our understanding that none of those detained is directly employed by Hyundai Motor Company,” the automaker told Fox News Digital.

Video footage shared online showed federal agents halting construction while HSI officials declared, “We need construction to cease immediately. We need all work to end on the site right now.”

The investigation remains ongoing, with federal authorities signaling that further accountability for subcontractors and employers who knowingly break the law is expected.