The delay in the repatriation procedures for about 300 Koreans detained by U.S. immigration authorities was confirmed to be because U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the procedures halted while reviewing an option for them to remain in the United States instead of returning home.
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said at a briefing at the Embassy of Korea in Washington, D.C., on the 10th (local time), "Minister Cho Hyun met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio this morning and confirmed that the reason for the repatriation delay was President Trump's instructions."
The official explained, "President Trump views all the detained Koreans as skilled personnel and, while asking to review both keeping them in the United States to continue working and train local workers and sending them back, ordered the repatriation procedures to be halted for now."
During the meeting, Minister Cho conveyed the position that "the detainees are badly startled and exhausted, so it would be preferable for them to return first and then resume work," and said Secretary Rubio respected this view and decided to resume the repatriation procedures for the Koreans.
Earlier, when the repatriation schedule was abruptly postponed, some speculated that differences within the United States over physical restraints such as handcuffs during the detainees' transfer by chartered plane had an impact. In response, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official explained, "President Trump accepted the Korean government's request and ordered that the detainees be escorted from the detention facility to the airport without physical restraints such as handcuffs."
The official emphasized, "This step by President Trump is the result of trust built between the leaders through the recent Korea-U.S. summit and our government's consistent stance regarding the detention situation," adding, "The government will closely consult with the U.S. side and provide all necessary support until our people return safely."