ICE agents arrested 475 people at a Hyundai-linked industrial site in Georgia.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made this announcement on Friday.
The operation targeted Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Ellabell, about 30 miles west of Savannah. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led the raid.
According to Atlanta HSI Special Agent Steve Schrank, they conducted the raid as part of an ongoing criminal probe. First, they looked into claims of illegal hiring practices. Then, they investigated other serious federal violations.
Before the operation, officials got a search warrant from a judge. They had spent several months gathering evidence.
So far, ABC News reports that no charges have been filed against the company or any individuals involved in the case.
The arrested workers were employed by various contractors and Hyundai itself, Schrank explained during the press briefing. Moreover, he highlighted the operation’s significance.
“This is actually the largest single-site law enforcement operation ever conducted by Homeland Security Investigations,” Schrank stated.
In response, Hyundai Motor Group released a brief statement.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and working to understand the specific circumstances,” they said.
Furthermore, the company added, “Based on our current understanding, none of the detained individuals are direct employees of Hyundai Motor Company.”
Meanwhile, the South Korean government expressed concern. Through its Foreign Ministry, they shared their “concerns and regrets” with U.S. authorities about the raid at the Hyundai-LG site.
A ministry spokesperson requested “special attention to ensure our citizens’ legal rights and interests are protected.” Moreover, consular officials were quickly sent to the scene, while local diplomatic offices were asked to set up a monitoring team to handle the operation’s aftermath.
Speaking for the Department of Homeland Security, a representative defended the raid’s purpose. “This investigation aims to hold law-breakers accountable and uphold the rule of law,” he stated. Additionally, federal authorities announced they would hold another press briefing to share more details “about a criminal search warrant and law enforcement measures targeting illegal employment practices in Georgia.”
Following the raid, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took custody of those detained, while HSI continues its active investigation.
Federal officials haven’t yet shared a timeline for next steps. Furthermore, they haven’t filed any formal charges against employers or contractors linked to the site.
On the ground, the search took place when federal authorities had already increased their surveillance of the site, according to information shared at the conference. First, investigators spent several months gathering evidence. Then, they obtained a search warrant, which provided legal grounds for the multi-agency teams to enter and conduct checks. Meanwhile, ABC News reported that authorities emphasized the difference between the site’s industrial activities and the employment practices under investigation.
The operation’s immediate effects on the site’s activities weren’t detailed by officials at the conference. However, Hyundai stated they were working to “understand the specific circumstances.” Additionally, their public statement didn’t confirm any direct impact on their current operations.
The raid marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation of labor practices at the Georgia facility. While authorities continue their work, both federal and diplomatic officials are carefully managing the situation’s various aspects, from legal proceedings to international relations.
South Korean diplomatic and consular authorities are actively working with local representatives to protect affected citizens and clarify the legal situation of those detained during the operation.
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Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/450-people-ice-custody-hyundai-plant-georgia/story?id=125286055
