In brief
A recent immigration raid at a Hyundai manufacturing site in southeast Georgia has resulted in the detention of nearly 500 workers, primarily Koreans, triggering a wave of panic among families unable to locate their loved ones. Non-profit organizations report a surge in calls from distressed families, indicating many detained individuals had legal authorization to work. While the majority have returned to South Korea, many non-Korean detainees remain unaccounted for, leading to fears regarding their legal status and well-being amidst increasing scrutiny from federal authorities.
Following a massive immigration raid on a Hyundai manufacturing site in southeast Georgia, where nearly 500 workers were detained, Rosie Harrison of the nonprofit Grow Initiative reported her organization is overwhelmed with frantic calls from families seeking assistance.
Harrison stated, “Families are experiencing a new level of crisis,” as concerns mount over the detained individuals, the majority of whom are Korean citizens, many of whom have since returned to South Korea. However, numerous non-Korean detainees remain in legal limbo.
As the raid commenced on September 4, locals felt immediate repercussions, with many workers hiding to avoid capture. Organizations like Migrant Equity Southeast have been receiving calls from families desperate for updates on their loved ones.
Some of those detained had legal employment authorization, led to confusion and frustration. Attorney Charles Kuck revealed that some clients were legally entitled to work through programs such as DACA, yet they faced arrest despite their legal status.
The raid follows another major employer in the area, International Paper Co., announcing layoffs for 800 employees, compounding uncertainty and economic instability among local families reliant on these jobs.
With many detained being primary earners, families have reported desperate needs for essentials, including food and baby supplies. Organizations like Growth Initiative, which do not check immigration status, are stepping in to provide assistance, but the ongoing uncertainty and fear in the community remain palpable.
Harrison shared that some families were left without transportation as the detained individuals were often the only ones who could drive, exacerbating their distress. “The worst phone calls are when children cry, asking, ‘Where is my mom?’” she lamented.
