Atlanta: One South Korean national has chosen to remain in the United States following a significant immigration crackdown in Georgia, with plans to pursue legal action while in custody, according to informed sources. This individual is the only South Korean still detained, as 316 others were released from a detention facility in Folkston a week after the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation at a South Korean electric car battery plant site in Bryan County.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the crackdown led to the detention of a total of 330 individuals, including 14 foreign nationals. While the majority of those detained are now en route to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to board a chartered plane back to South Korea, the remaining individual has family in the U.S., all of whom hold green cards. This connection is a significant factor in his decision to remain and seek legal avenues while still in ICE custody.

Despite having the option to bail himself out, the individual is reportedly required to stay detained at this stage. The South Korean consulate in Atlanta is expected to offer necessary assistance to him during this process.

The released workers departed the detention facilities early Thursday local time, transported by buses escorted by immigration vehicles. U.S. immigration officials accompanied the South Koreans on these buses, ensuring their transition to the airport.

Seoul officials have clarified that the departure of the workers is being processed as a "voluntary departure" rather than a deportation, highlighting the cooperative nature of the resolution.