ICE carried out the largest raid of the Trump administration against undocumented immigrants

Nearly 500 people were arrested by United States immigration authorities at a Hyundai plant located in the state of Georgia, in what represents the largest workplace raid during President Donald Trump's second term.

The operation, which involved 475 individuals, mainly focused on workers of South Korean origin, with more than 300 Korean citizens among those detained. The raid took place at a facility of more than 12,000 square meters (129,167 square feet) dedicated to electric vehicle production, which had been operating for approximately one year.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) explained that the operation was not a typical immigration raid, but rather a prolonged criminal investigation.

Steve Schrank, special agent of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Atlanta, stated that agents conducted an investigation over several months, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and obtaining documentation. Subsequently, this evidence was presented before a judge, who issued a search warrant.

Schrank indicated that this was "the largest immigration enforcement operation at a single location in the history" of HSI investigations, and clarified that it was not an improvised intervention, but a carefully planned action based on illegal labor practices and other serious federal crimes.

Among those detained, in addition to South Korean citizens, individuals from other countries were also identified. For example, a Mexican citizen with legal residency in the United States was arrested, who could be deported due to multiple criminal convictions.

The arrested individuals are being held at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) immigrant detention center in Folkston, Georgia, while their legal status is determined. According to ICE officials, the detentions include people who were in the country irregularly or working without proper authorization.

The reaction of the communist government of South Korea was swift. In a statement, Seoul expressed its concern and regret over the operation, urging U.S. authorities to respect the rights of its detained citizens. The situation caused diplomatic tensions, given the significant number of South Korean citizens involved and the magnitude of the operation.

Hyundai Motor Company, meanwhile, issued a statement in which it said it was "closely monitoring the situation" and assured that, so far, none of the detainees is a direct employee of the company.

This suggests that those arrested may have been hired by subcontractors or external companies associated with the project. It was also reported that electric vehicle production at the plant has not been affected, although LG Energy Solutions, Hyundai's partner in battery manufacturing, temporarily suspended construction work as a preventive measure.

Although authorities emphasize that they do not oppose the hiring of foreign workers, they insist that this must be done legally and in accordance with the country's immigration laws.