Seoul: South Korean workers who were detained during an immigration raid in the United States are expected to return home voluntarily instead of facing deportation. This development comes as Seoul coordinates with Washington to send a chartered flight for their repatriation, a foreign ministry official announced on Monday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, over 300 South Korean nationals were apprehended at a detention center in Folkston, Georgia, following a raid last Thursday at an electric vehicle battery plant construction site. The site is operated by a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution near Savannah.
South Korea's presidential office indicated on Sunday that a chartered flight would be dispatched to the U.S. to facilitate their return after necessary consultations with Washington. "We have agreed on a plan to bring all our citizens back home safely via a chartered flight in the form of voluntary departure," a ministry official stated.
The official emphasized the importance of diplomatic discussions to ensure the safety and swift return of South Korean citizens, with talks being conducted at multiple levels. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is scheduled to travel to Washington to finalize the repatriation arrangements and address measures to prevent similar incidents, including advocating for increased visa quotas for South Korean workers.
In a parliamentary session, Cho mentioned that Seoul and Washington have reached a "broad agreement" ensuring that the detainees will face no future entry disadvantages into the U.S. A chartered plane is anticipated to depart for the U.S. as early as Wednesday, South Korean time.
The arrests have incited public outrage in Seoul, especially after footage surfaced showing the detainees shackled and loaded onto transport vehicles. The raid occurs amid South Korean companies' growing U.S. investments, aligning with efforts to revitalize American industries under the Trump administration.
There are concerns that the detainees might encounter entry restrictions in future U.S. travel. However, Seoul officials are in discussions with Washington to prevent any such disadvantages. Consular officials have visited the detainees to assess their health and treatment at the facility, reporting no unfair treatment or human rights violations.
Efforts are underway to determine how many detainees wish to board the chartered plane, starting Monday U.S. time. U.S. immigration authorities have offered the detainees two options: accept deportation with a five-year reentry ban or remain in custody for trial. Entry restrictions in future visits may depend on their visa status.
Seoul has urged Washington to expand visa quotas for South Korean workers, but progress has been hindered by rising anti-immigration sentiments in the U.S. and congressional reluctance. In contrast, countries like Chile, Singapore, and Australia secured visa quotas through trade negotiations with the U.S. in the early 2000s.
Once released, the detained South Koreans are expected to travel to Jacksonville International Airport in Florida, a short bus ride from the detention center.
In response to the incident, U.S. President Donald Trump affirmed the positive relationship with South Korea and stressed the importance of foreign businesses legally bringing workers to the U.S. to train Americans. He also stated that the administration would expedite and legalize the process for such cases.
The raid, part of an investigation into unlawful workplace practices, led to the detention of 475 individuals, including around 300 South Koreans.