LG, Hyundai react to worker detentions in US

US immigration authorities detained around 475 workers at the construction site of HL-GA Battery Co., a joint battery venture between LG Energy Solution and Hyundai Motor Group in Georgia, on September 4, 2025.

LG Energy Solution said 47 of its direct employees and about 250 workers from partner firms, mostly Korean nationals, were among those detained.

US officials have not specified the reason for the detentions, but industry observers suggest the probe may involve the use of B1, B2, and Visa Waiver Program entries, which do not allow paid labor.

LG Energy Solution has suspended US business trips, advised B1 and B2 visa holders in the US to remain at their residences, and directed Visa Waiver participants to return to Korea.

Hyundai Motor America said none of its direct employees were detained, and that it would review supplier compliance.

Hyundai Engineering said it is working with consular services as about 170 subcontracted workers remain in custody.

🔗 Source: The Korea Herald

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

Workplace immigration raids follow established patterns of large-scale enforcement operations

The Georgia raid’s scale of 475 detainees fits within the range of major workplace enforcement actions seen over the past two decades1.
The 2006 Swift meatpacking raids detained 1,300 workers across six facilities, while the 2019 Mississippi food processing raids resulted in 680 arrests at seven plants2 3.
Like previous operations, this raid targeted a critical infrastructure sector—electric vehicle battery manufacturing—where labor shortages could significantly impact production timelines1.
Historical patterns show these raids often involve months of investigation, with ICE conducting detailed workplace compliance reviews before executing enforcement actions2.

Korean companies face complex visa compliance challenges in US operations

The raid highlighted inappropriate use of visitor visas for work activities, with many detainees reportedly using B1 business visas, B2 tourist visas, and the Visa Waiver Program for construction work1.
Under US law, B1 visas permit meetings and negotiations but specifically prohibit paid labor that could be interpreted as employment4 5.
The Visa Waiver Program allows 90-day stays for business or tourism, while B1/B2 visas can be valid for up to six months, but neither category authorizes employment1 6.
Korean firms acknowledged difficulties obtaining proper work permits for US projects, leading some to rely on these “gray area” visa categories for short-term assignments1.
The diplomatic tensions arising from the raid—with South Korea’s government negotiating worker releases—demonstrate how visa violations can escalate beyond legal issues to international relations concerns7 8.