Around 450 illegal aliens have been arrested at a Hyundai manufacturing site in Georgia, according to federal immigration officials on Friday.
The Hyundai facility, located about 35 miles west of Savanah in Ellabell is an electric vehicle battery factory. Federal immigration authorities, in partnership with law enforcement partners, executed a search warrant on the facility on Thursday, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The search of the Hyundai facility was “part of an ongoing criminal investigation into allegations of unlawful employment practices and other serious federal crimes,” according to a DHS spokesperson.
“This operation underscores our commitment to protecting jobs for Georgians, ensuring a level playing field for businesses that comply with the law, safeguarding the integrity of our economy, and protecting workers from exploitation,” the spokesperson added.
Hyundai has confirmed it is aware of the arrests and monitoring the situation.
Hyundai said, “It is our understanding that none of those detained is directly employed by Hyundai Motor Company,” ABC News reported.
The DHS spokesperson said that “complex cases like this require strong collaboration and extensive investigative efforts” and expressed gratitude to the Georgia State Patrol; Drug Enforcement Administration; FBI; IRS; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General “for their invaluable support.”
“Each agency contributed specialized expertise that was critical to the success of this lengthy investigation. Together, we are sending a clear and unequivocal message: Those who exploit our workforce, undermine our economy, and violate federal laws will be held accountable,” the spokesperson said.
Hyundai is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, and South Korea’s foreign ministry has expressed “concern and regret” over the raid, according to ABC.
“The economic activities of our companies investing in the U.S. and the rights and interests of our nationals must not be unfairly violated,” Lee Jae-woong, the ministry spokesperson, said at a press briefing Friday.
DHS did not respond to The Daily Signal’s inquiry as to the illegal aliens’ home countries and whether they would be deported back to them.
The raid comes as the Trump administration continues to prioritize the arrest and removal of illegal aliens across the U.S.