U.S. immigration enforcement authorities conducted a crackdown on undocumented immigrants at the construction site of the joint battery plant (HL-GA Battery Company) of Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that this has posed new risks to overseas corporations making large investments to meet the demands of President Donald Trump.
WSJ noted on the 5th (local time) that "HL-GA Battery Company has become an unexpected site where President Trump's two key policies, 'crackdown on illegal immigration and the rebuilding of American manufacturing,' have collided." It added, "The plant was supposed to produce electric vehicle batteries in joint venture between Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution," and stated, "The total $7.6 billion electric vehicle production site is the largest manufacturing project in Georgia's history."
It also noted, "This crackdown has shocked Korea, a key ally and major trading partner," adding, "Hyundai Motor has recorded the highest sales figures in the U.S. for nearly a year, and this is the place where it has promised a new investment of $26 billion." The report mentioned that Hyundai planned to employ 8,500 people by 2031 according to the package received from Georgia.
WSJ also mentioned that Korea promised an investment of $350 billion, and alongside Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution, corporations in sectors such as semiconductors and shipbuilding have also promised investments in the U.S. WSJ emphasized that Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, and Samsung SDI are investing billions of dollars, and that Korea pledged $150 billion for the "Make America Shipbuilding Great Again" project aimed at revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry.
It is reported that none of the employees directly employed by Hyundai Motor were among those detained in this incident. In the case of LG Energy Solution, it is said to include 47 employees and more than 250 affiliated with partners.