Over 310 South Korean workers deported after US immigration raid. Seoul demands answers as outrage grows over treatment and delayed Hyundai-LG project

South Korean workers US immigration raid fallout escalated on Friday as a specially chartered flight carrying over 310 deported nationals landed at Incheon International Airport, marking a turbulent moment in Seoul-Washington relations.

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The workers were among the 475 people arrested during a massive immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant construction site in Georgia.

Most detainees were South Koreans, many allegedly working on ineligible visa that do not permit physical labor.

The repatriation flight—a Korean Air Boeing 747-8I—departed from Atlanta and touched down around 3:25 p.m. local time in South Korea, greeted by somber scenes and visible anger.

At Incheon, protesters held placards lambasting the U.S. response. One sign depicted former President Donald Trump in ICE gear, reading, “We’re friends, aren’t we?” Another accused the U.S. of betrayal: “You told us to invest, only to arrest us!”

President Lee Jae Myung called the raid “bewildering” and warned it could dampen future investments.

“We are negotiating to ensure visa issuance for investment purposes operates normally,” he said, criticizing the impact on bilateral trust.

The Georgia raid, described as the largest single-site immigration operation since Trump’s return to office in January, has sent shockwaves through South Korea’s industrial and diplomatic circles.

Hyundai and LG’s $4.3 billion joint venture is now facing significant delays. Hyundai CEO Jose Munoz said, “This will give us a minimum of two to three months’ delay. These skilled workers aren’t easily replaced in the U.S.”

Industry sources suggest it’s common for South Korean companies to bring in their own workers for rapid development, often using visa workarounds—a practice now under sharp scrutiny.

LG Energy Solution, which confirmed 47 of its own employees were detained, thanked Seoul for intervening and pledged to minimize business disruption.

“We are especially grateful for their exceptional efforts… ensuring no disadvantages upon re-entry,” LG said in a statement.

Seoul dispatched a task force and senior negotiators to Washington immediately after the raid, ensuring that deported workers would not be shackled during their return—a concern sparked by early images showing workers in handcuffs.

The powerful Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) has demanded a formal apology from Trump and a halt to U.S.-bound investments.

“The excessive arrests were a clear violation of human rights,” the KCTU said. “We urge the suspension of South Korean investments in the U.S. until accountability is ensured.”

This diplomatic flashpoint comes less than a month after Trump hosted President Lee at the White House, touting “historic cooperation” between both nations.

Now, that alliance is under strain.

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that negotiations are ongoing to protect the rights of affected workers and prevent future visa issues tied to major investments.

Meanwhile, Washington has not yet officially commented on the protest or South Korea’s concerns.

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While LG insists it remains committed to its U.S. projects, the message from Seoul is clear: economic cooperation must not come at the cost of human dignity or international trust.