Georgetown, Georgia, September 5, 2025
News Summary
U.S. immigration authorities executed a significant raid at Hyundai’s electric vehicle manufacturing site in Georgia, targeting unlawful employment practices. This operation halted construction on a joint venture battery plant and focused on the site employing around 1,200 workers. The raid is part of an ongoing investigation into serious federal offenses and reflects a broader immigration enforcement strategy.
Georgetown, Georgia – Federal Authorities Conduct Major Immigration Raid at Hyundai’s Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Site
U.S. immigration authorities executed a significant raid on Hyundai’s electric vehicle manufacturing site in southeast Georgia on Thursday, focusing on one of the state’s most critical manufacturing facilities. This site, with a reported investment of $7.6 billion, is recognized as the largest economic development project in Georgia’s history.
The raid targeted the facility that Hyundai has been using for electric vehicle (EV) production for approximately one year. This plant currently employs around 1,200 workers. The operation also led to a halt in construction on an adjacent factory dedicated to producing EV batteries. This factory is part of a joint venture called HL-GA Battery, in collaboration with LG Energy Solution.
Located on a sprawling 3,000 acres just west of Savannah in Bryan County, the site has become a focal point of the state’s manufacturing landscape. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed the operation, which is part of an ongoing criminal investigation into allegations of unlawful employment practices and other serious federal offenses.
Details of the Operation
ICE agents primarily focused their activities on the construction site of the battery plant, as indicated by ICE spokesman Lindsay Williams, who noted that additional specifics regarding the operation were limited. The Georgia State Patrol assisted federal authorities by blocking access roads to the Hyundai site during the raid.
Video footage from the scene showed ICE agents notifying workers in yellow safety vests about their search warrant for the entire site, instructing them to stop all construction immediately. Witnesses reported that agents asked all present if they were U.S. citizens and were seen lining up workers, searching their belongings, and asking questions.
Large buses and undercover law enforcement vehicles were noted around the site during the operation. Though Hyundai’s spokesperson stated that operations at the primary EV manufacturing facility remained uninterrupted, the joint venture HL-GA Battery confirmed that it had ceased construction and was fully cooperating with authorities.
Investigative Context
The investigation is ongoing, with ICE focusing on ensuring accountability for any violations of labor laws. Specific details regarding the number of individuals detained or arrested during the crackdown have not been disclosed.
Recent rulings from two courts have determined that President Trump’s import taxes are illegal, which may have implications for labor practices as reported by the Pew Research Center indicating a loss of over 1.2 million immigrants from the U.S. labor force in the first half of the year. This immigration raid is part of a wider enforcement strategy that was advocated during Trump’s administration.
The HL-GA Battery facility is scheduled for opening next year, marking a pivotal step in enhancing Georgia’s role in the electric vehicle sector. This raid is one of the largest immigration operations conducted during Trump’s second term, reflecting a sustained aggressive approach toward immigration enforcement across multiple industries.
Conclusion
As the investigation proceeds, the implications of this operation may reverberate further across the landscape of manufacturing and immigration policy in the United States. Authorities emphasize the importance of legal compliance within the workforce as the nation continues to navigate complex immigration issues.
FAQ
What was the purpose of the ICE raid at Hyundai’s manufacturing site?
The raid was part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of unlawful employment practices and other federal crimes at one of Georgia’s largest manufacturing sites.
How many people are employed at Hyundai’s electric vehicle manufacturing plant?
Approximately 1,200 workers are currently employed at the Hyundai plant, which has been operational for about a year.
What were the immediate effects of the raid?
Construction on an adjacent factory, part of a joint venture to produce EV batteries, was halted, while operations at the main EV manufacturing plant reportedly continued without interruption.
What is HL-GA Battery?
HL-GA Battery is a joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution focused on manufacturing EV batteries at the plant adjacent to the Hyundai vehicle manufacturing facility.
What has been the broader context surrounding immigration enforcement in the U.S.?
The raid reflects ongoing aggressive immigration enforcement strategies that have gained traction during the previous presidential administration, with significant implications for labor practices across various sectors.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Southeast Georgia, near Savannah |
| Investment | $7.6 billion |
| Employees | 1,200 workers |
| Operation Type | Electric Vehicle Manufacturing |
| Joint Venture | HL-GA Battery (Hyundai and LG Energy Solution) |
| Status | Ongoing investigation; construction halted |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
