Hundreds of federal agents raided Hyundai’s Metaplant in Ellabell, Georgia, on Thursday, arresting 475 people in what officials described as the largest workplace immigration sweep of the Trump administration. The site, located about 25 miles west of Savannah, is Hyundai’s flagship manufacturing project in the U.S.
According to Homeland Security Investigations special agent Steven Schrank, most of those detained were Korean nationals, though a full breakdown of nationalities was not available. All were suspected of living and working illegally in the U.S., with violations ranging from illegal entry to visa overstays and misuse of visa waivers.
During the raid, some workers attempted to flee, with several running into a sewage pond on the premises, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia said. A Hyundai spokesperson said none of those arrested were believed to be direct employees of Hyundai Motor Company. “Hyundai is committed to full compliance with employment verification and immigration laws in every market where we operate,” the company said in a statement.
Hyundai Motor North America announced that Chief Manufacturing Officer Chris Susock will oversee the megasite moving forward, with an internal investigation to ensure that suppliers and subcontractors comply with employment and immigration laws.
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