Savannah, Georgia, September 5, 2025
News Summary
U.S. immigration authorities executed a significant raid on Hyundai’s electric vehicle plant in southeast Georgia, focusing on unlawful employment practices. The $7.6 billion facility, employing around 1,200 workers, saw federal agents interrupt construction work at an adjacent battery plant. The operation, coordinated by ICE and HSI, aimed to enforce labor laws and investigate federal crimes. While construction at the battery plant has halted, the main manufacturing site continued operations without interruption. This raid reflects ongoing immigration enforcement strategies that emphasize accountability within the labor sector.
Savannah, Georgia – U.S. immigration authorities conducted a significant raid on Hyundai’s electric vehicle manufacturing facility in southeast Georgia on Thursday, focusing on one of the largest manufacturing sites in the state. The $7.6 billion plant, located in Bryan County, was the target of the operation that launched as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into alleged unlawful employment practices and other serious federal crimes.
The Hyundai facility, which began producing electric vehicles (EVs) around a year ago, employs approximately 1,200 individuals. During the raid, federal agents interrupted construction work at an adjacent plant that is set to produce EV batteries, a joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution. This factory is part of the HL-GA Battery project, which has now ceased construction and is cooperating with authorities.
The operation was coordinated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). ICE confirmed the focus of the investigation but remained tight-lipped about specific operational details. Reports indicate that agents were particularly concentrated on the battery plant’s construction site but took significant measures to instruct all workers on-site to cease their activities immediately.
Access roads to the Hyundai site were blocked off by the Georgia State Patrol to facilitate the raid. Video footage captured scenes where ICE agents informed workers in yellow safety vests about the search warrant covering the entire area. According to accounts from workers present during the operation, ICE agents inquired about their citizenship status, lined them up for questioning, and searched their belongings. Numerous buses and unmarked law enforcement vehicles were observed at the site during the escalation of activities.
Although the raid continued throughout the day, operations at the main EV manufacturing plant, according to Hyundai’s spokesperson, were not interrupted. Regular office hours resumed before the raid commenced, highlighting a distinction in operations between the two facilities. However, no specific numbers were provided regarding the individuals detained or arrested during the operation.
The investigation by ICE underscores an effort to hold employers accountable for violations of labor laws. This raid comes as part of a broader immigration enforcement strategy that was actively advocated during the Trump administration. Given the context, it reflects an ongoing, aggressive approach to immigration enforcement that spans various sectors of the economy.
This operation aligns with recent developments in the national immigration policy landscape, where two courts have ruled against President Trump’s imposition of import taxes. Furthermore, research from the Pew Research Center indicates a notable loss of more than 1.2 million immigrants within the U.S. labor force during the first half of the current year.
The HL-GA Battery plant is anticipated to open in the upcoming year, marking a significant milestone in Georgia’s economic development concerning electric vehicle manufacturing. As the investigation continues, authorities remain vigilant in ensuring compliance with federal employment and labor regulations.
FAQs
What was the purpose of the ICE raid at Hyundai’s facility?
The raid targeted unlawful employment practices and sought to investigate serious federal crimes at one of Georgia’s largest manufacturing plants.
How many workers are employed at the Hyundai manufacturing site?
Approximately 1,200 workers are employed at the Hyundai electric vehicle manufacturing plant.
What was the impact of the raid on construction activities?
Construction at the adjacent HL-GA Battery plant has been halted as the facility cooperates with the ongoing investigation.
Is there any connection between the raid and national immigration policies?
Yes, the raid is a continuation of immigration enforcement strategies supported during the Trump administration, emphasizing accountability for labor law violations.
Key Features of the Raid
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Southeast Georgia, Bryan County, near Savannah |
| Facility | Hyundai electric vehicle manufacturing plant |
| Investment | $7.6 billion, largest in Georgia’s history |
| Employees | Approximately 1,200 workers |
| Operation Date | Thursday (date unspecified) |
| Associated Joint Venture | HL-GA Battery plant (Hyundai & LG Energy Solution) |
| Objective | Investigation into unlawful employment practices |
| Impact on Construction | Construction halted at the HL-GA Battery site |
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