ICE/HSI DETAIN 300+ KOREANS, HALT HYUNDAI–LG GEORGIA BATTERY MEGASITE IN VISA SWEEP

ICE and Homeland Security Investigations executed a large worksite enforcement operation on Sept. 4 at the Hyundai–LG battery plant construction site in Ellabell, GA, detaining several hundred workers — including more than 300 South Korean nationals allegedly working on B‑1/ESTA visas. The multi‑agency action (with FBI, ATF and Georgia State Patrol support) paused construction and triggered a formal protest from South Korea. Officials described it as part of a criminal probe into unlawful employment practices; Hyundai and partners say the detained were subcontractor staff and that they’re cooperating. The sweep highlights an apparent surge in visa‑misuse enforcement at high‑profile industrial projects.