South Korean Engineers Detained in US Immigration Raid

More than 300 South Korean workers were detained in Georgia earlier this month during a significant immigration raid, raising concerns about treatment and legal status. The operation, one of the largest under former President Donald Trump, targeted foreign workers employed by South Korean companies Hyundai and LG, who were in the United States on temporary visas.

Details of the Raid

Youngjin, a subcontractor for LG, was surprised when armed immigration officers burst into his office. He was on a short-term visa, expecting to train staff for five weeks. Instead, he found himself handcuffed and shackled before being transported to the Folkston ICE Processing Center. “I panicked and my mind went blank. I felt sick,” he recounted after returning to South Korea.

The raid involved officers armed with guns, helicopters, and armored vehicles, creating an atmosphere of terror among the detained workers. Chul-yong, another engineer, described how some officers pointed guns at them during the incident. “There were people with guns… it was so shocking that some people were shivering in fear,” he said.

Initially, U.S. officials claimed the workers were in the country illegally. However, a deal was later struck allowing them to leave voluntarily without penalties. Many of the detained individuals had various types of visas or were under a visa waiver program, leading to confusion and distress when they were arrested.

Conditions in Detention

The conditions at the detention center were harsh. Youngjin recalled being locked in a cold room with 60–70 other people, without blankets for the first two days. “I was wearing short sleeves, so I put my arms inside my clothes and wrapped myself in a towel to try to stay warm at night,” he said. The water provided was unpalatable, described as smelling like sewage, leading detainees to drink as little as possible.

Chul-yong noted that available sleeping spaces were scarce. “We tried to sleep anywhere, really,” he said, adding that some detainees resorted to hugging heated packaged bread to keep warm during the night. The uncertainty of their detainment lasted several days, with many fearing they would be held for months.

It was only after some detainees were able to communicate with lawyers and consular staff that they learned the South Korean government was negotiating their release with U.S. authorities. Following the incident, South Korea’s chief trade negotiator expressed concern, stating that even U.S. officials recognized the situation may have been excessive.

Impact on Relations and Workers’ Sentiments

The raid has strained relations between the U.S. and South Korea, typically close allies. This incident occurred shortly after a trade deal, in which South Korean companies pledged to invest $350 billion in the United States. South Korean officials are now investigating potential human rights violations during the operation.

Mr. Kim, another detained worker, expressed disbelief at the detentions, arguing that his work under a B-1 visa was permitted. He stated, “It makes no sense for the authorities to detain hundreds of people without clarifying our roles in the factory.” Youngjin added that he had done nothing illegal, stating, “I only attended meetings and gave training presentations.”

Despite returning home, both Youngjin and Chul-yong are grappling with the emotional aftermath of the raid. Youngjin described feeling hollow during his reunion with family, stating it wasn’t until a meal was prepared that he began to process his ordeal. Meanwhile, Chul-yong noted that while they appeared happy upon arrival, the reality of their experiences weighed heavily on them. “Saying this makes me tear up,” he admitted.

As they reflect on their experiences, both men are left questioning their future. Chul-yong believes many workers may not return to the U.S., while Youngjin remains conflicted. “I’ve put my life into this work,” he said. “If I can’t do this, what can I do? How will my family live?”