More than 300 South Korean workers who were detained during a large US immigration raid in Georgia are preparing to return home this week, officials confirmed.
The workers were held at a detention center in Folkston, Georgia, after US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted a surprise raid on September 4.
The raid took place at a Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution battery plant under construction, a $4.3 billion project seen as key to US electric vehicle expansion, CNBC said.
A total of 475 workers were detained — most of them South Korean nationals. According to reports, some had overstayed visas or were working under visa types that didn't permit employment.
ICE released video footage of detainees shackled at the hands, ankles, and waists, sparking outrage and deep concern in South Korea.
In response, South Korea quickly arranged for a chartered Korean Air flight to bring the workers home.
The plane, a Boeing 747-8i, departed Incheon International Airport on Wednesday and is expected to leave the US later the same day, though the exact departure time may change due to US coordination issues.
Latest: South Korea's Hankyoreh reports the detained Korean workers will make "voluntary departure" rather than face deportation, a significant distinction that avoids permanent immigration records and preserves ability to potentially return to the US in future. If they dare. https://t.co/M7PsIqKCnS pic.twitter.com/J8HOupTOVy
— Raphael Rashid (@koryodynasty) September 7, 2025
US Agrees to Voluntary Departure for Detained Korean Workers
South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, currently visiting Washington, said the government is working with US officials to ensure no such incident happens again.
"We are seeking ways to prevent similar problems and ensure that skilled Korean workers can return to the US in the future," Cho said before departing for the US.
Cho is also meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House today to discuss immigration policy and cooperation on future workforce needs.
According to NY Post, officials from both countries confirmed that the workers are being allowed to depart voluntarily, rather than being deported, which could have banned them from re-entering the US for up to 10 years.
South Korean diplomats pushed for this arrangement to avoid long-term consequences for the workers involved.
Attorney Charles Kuck, who represents some of the detained workers, explained that the specialized machines used at the battery plant aren't made in the US, and that training Americans for this type of work would take several years.
The South Korean government has also renewed calls for a dedicated U.S. visa category for Korean professionals working on industrial projects.
As of now, many South Korean firms rely on short-term visas or visa waivers for staff who assist with setting up factories.
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