U.S. authorities conducted inspections at the factories of domestic corporations such as Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution in the Georgia area. This is known to be part of an operation targeting illegal foreign residents.
According to Savannah Morning News (SMN) and others, on the 4th (local time), the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) reportedly conducted a search at the construction site of the Hyundai Motor Group-LG Energy Solution joint battery factory (HL-GA Battery Company) located in Savannah, Georgia.
The search began around 9:30 a.m. that day. While specific criminal allegations and the number of arrests have not been confirmed, the involvement of ICE raises the possibility that it is part of an operation targeting illegal foreign residents. Approximately 900 workers are known to be employed in construction, while about 1,500 are working in production.
Authorities have been controlling traffic in the area and have closed the site while conducting identity checks on all personnel present. This reportedly includes local workers as well as dispatched personnel and staff from partner companies.
The HL-GA Battery Company stated in an official release, "We are fully cooperating with the relevant authorities regarding the activities at our construction site," adding, "We have temporarily suspended construction work to assist authorities in their duties."