US: South Koreans detained in ICE raid on Hyundai plant

South Koreans suspected of working illegally in the US made up most of the 475 people detained in a raid on a Hyundai-LG battery factory being built in the state of Georgia, an official said Friday.

The raid came as US President Donald Trump maintains a hard line stance on migrants across the country, vowing to carry out the largest deportation drive in American history.

The raid at the Hyundai plant stemmed from a "criminal investigation into allegations of unlawful employment practices and serious federal crimes," Steven Schrank, a Homeland Security Investigations special agent in Atlanta, said.

"This, in fact, was the largest single site enforcement operation in the history of Homeland Security Investigations," Schrank said at a news conference.

"This operation underscores our commitment to jobs for Georgians and Americans," Schrank added.

The South Korean car marker said that none of those detained were directly employed by Hyundai Motors and that it would conduct an investigation to ensure its suppliers and their subcontractors also go by the rules.

"Hyundai has zero tolerance for those who don't follow the law," it said.

South Korea-US relations under the microscope

South Korea has expressed its "concern and regret" to the US Embassy in Seoul while urging Washington to respect the rights of its citizens.

"The economic activities of our investors and the legitimate rights and interests of our nationals must not be unjustly infringed in the course of US law enforcement," South Korean foreign ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong told reporters.

The arrests could worsen relations between the United States and South Korea, normally close allies.

The countries have been at odds over the details of a trade deal that includes $350 billion (€300 billion) of investments. At a summit last month, South Korea pledged $150 billion in US investments, including $26 billion from Hyundai Motor.

Edited by: Dmytro Hubenko