Charter Plane Leaves for U.S. to Recover Detained South Korean Workers

Tue Oct 21 2025 00:39:15 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A South Korean charter plane is en route to the U.S. to bring back hundreds of workers, primarily South Koreans, who were detained in an immigration raid at a Hyundai battery factory in Georgia. The operation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding U.S. immigration policies.

On September 4, hundreds of workers, including over 300 South Koreans, were detained during a major raid by U.S. Homeland Security at a Hyundai construction site in Georgia. An agreement for their release has been reached between South Korea and the U.S., leading to a charter plane departure from Incheon International Airport to repatriate the workers. This incident reflects the current U.S. immigration policy climate, with President Trump emphasizing the need for legal compliance and workforce training.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A South Korean charter plane has departed for the U.S. to retrieve Korean workers detained during an immigration raid in Georgia. The raid, conducted by the U.S. Homeland Security agency on September 4, saw 475 workers taken into custody, including more than 300 South Korean nationals at a battery factory under construction at Hyundai’s auto plant near Savannah. Disturbing footage from U.S. authorities showed some of the workers shackled. Subsequently, South Korea's government announced a deal with the U.S. to secure the workers' release.

The charter flight was seen taking off from Incheon International Airport on Wednesday morning, with plans for a return on Thursday afternoon. This raid marks one of the largest actions taken under the current U.S. immigration enforcement policies, specifically targeting industries in Georgia where many South Korean businesses are investing. Just weeks prior, South Korea committed to significant investments in the U.S., aimed at facilitating a tariff agreement.

President Trump has stated the necessity of maintaining strict immigration laws and has called for collaboration with other nations to train American citizens in specialized fields such as battery and technology manufacturing, emphasizing the legality of the workforce.