"After the immigration enforcement operation at Hyundai’s battery plant in Georgia, I urge all foreign companies investing in the U.S. to respect our immigration laws," Trump posted on Truth Social on September 7th.
The President emphasized that Washington welcomes foreign investment and encourages companies to bring skilled workers to the U.S. legally to create "world-class products."
“We will make it fast and legal for you to do so. In return, we ask that you hire and train American workers,” he added. Since his return to office, Trump has intensified efforts to crack down on illegal immigration, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) playing a central role in this mission.
On September 4th, ICE, alongside other U.S. agencies, raided Hyundai and LG’s battery plants in Georgia, arresting 457 illegal workers, including more than 300 South Korean nationals.
Before posting on Truth Social, Trump told the press that he would review the situation, but emphasized it “did not harm” his relationship with South Korea. He also suggested that he might consider facilitating the entry of certain foreign manufacturing experts to help train U.S. workers.
On September 7th, South Korea’s Chief of Staff, Kang Hoon-sik, announced that negotiations had concluded with the U.S. for the release of the detained South Korean nationals, who are expected to fly back home by September 10th.
South Korea, the fourth-largest economy in Asia, is a key producer of automobiles and electronics, with numerous factories in the U.S. Korean companies have invested billions in the U.S. to access the market and avoid tariff threats under Trump’s administration. In July, South Korea committed to investing $350 billion in the U.S. economy.