According to Nam News Network, South Korea expressed concern and regret over the operation and urged the US government to respect the rights of its citizens. The raid raises potential tension between two of President Trump's top priorities—bolstering manufacturing within the US and cracking down on illegal immigration. It could also strain the relationship with a key ally. President Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, defended the operation, stating that the individuals detained were illegal aliens and that ICE was fulfilling its duties.

Some 475 people who were in the country illegally or working unlawfully were detained in the operation, immigration officials reported. Of those detained, 300 are Korean nationals. They are currently held at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Folkston, Georgia, pending further decisions on their relocation.

In a statement, Hyundai Motor Company mentioned it was closely monitoring the situation and seeking to understand the specific circumstances. They clarified that none of those detained were directly employed by Hyundai. The production of electric vehicles at the site remains unaffected, although construction work by LG Energy Solutions, Hyundai's partner in a battery joint venture, has been paused.

Videos circulating on social media depict agents organizing workers and informing them of the warrant to search the facility. In response to the raid, South Korea is dispatching diplomats to the site and has contacted the US embassy in Seoul to urge extreme caution concerning Korean citizens' rights.

The economic activities of Korean investment companies and the rights and interests of Korean citizens should not be unfairly infringed upon during US law enforcement operations, stated South Korea's foreign ministry. The incident underscores the delicate balance President Trump seeks between attracting foreign investment and enforcing immigration laws. South Korean companies have pledged significant investments in the US, aiming to avoid tariffs while supporting local industries.

Georgia's Governor, Republican Brian Kemp, had previously promoted Hyundai's electric vehicle operation as a major economic development project, employing 1,200 people. However, the president's commitment to addressing illegal immigration remains firm, as demonstrated by this large-scale enforcement action.