South Korean Workers Return Home After US Detention Controversy

Tue Oct 21 2025 01:44:01 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Over 300 South Korean workers detained in a U.S. immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia have returned home, raising concerns over relations between the US and South Korea amid investment uncertainties.

A chartered flight carrying more than 300 South Korean workers, detained in a significant immigration raid at a Hyundai facility in Georgia, has safely returned them home. The U.S. immigration operation had sparked outrage in South Korea, leading to diplomatic tensions and protests. While the workers expressed relief upon their return, the incident threatens future investments in the U.S. by South Korean companies, prompting calls for new visa regulations to prevent similar incidents.

More than 300 South Koreans who were detained in a massive immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia have arrived back home.

Their return comes as the country's president and Hyundai's chief executive have warned about the impact of the raid.

A chartered Korean Air jet carrying the workers took off from Atlanta after a delay attributed to a White House instruction to assess if any workers wanted to stay in the U.S.

The incident has unsettled U.S.-South Korea relations, with South Korean officials expressing concern over the potential impact on continued investments in the U.S.

Workers appeared weary but jubilant as they arrived at Incheon International Airport, where protests against the raid also took place. One protestor famously held a banner depicting President Trump in immigration agent attire.

Security was tight as the returnees sought privacy from media coverage.

South Korea's government has called for the U.S. to implement new visa arrangements to ease restrictions on Korean firms sending workers to the U.S. for training and setup activities. This incident has raised alarms about the future of significant investment projects in America, which South Korea aims to continue despite increasing tensions.