Summary
U.S. immigration officials detained over 300 South Korean workers in Georgia for allegedly working illegally. The workers are now being sent home on a charter flight after the U.S. and South Korea reached an agreement involving no handcuffs during transport and no entry issues if they return. The incident is affecting diplomatic and economic relations between the U.S. and South Korea.
Key Facts
- More than 300 South Korean workers were detained by U.S. authorities in Georgia.
- The workers were involved in building an electric vehicle battery plant.
- The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was in charge of the operation.
- South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung expressed concerns about future investments.
- An agreement was reached that the workers can return to the U.S. without issues in the future.
- The U.S. Defense of the arrests was based on claims of illegal employment.
- South Korea was the largest foreign investor in the U.S. in 2023.
- South Korea is seeking a bilateral visa quota similar to other countries with U.S. trade agreements.
