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Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) site. (Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group) |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] Savannah, Georgia – U.S. federal authorities carried out an enforcement action on September 4 (local time) at the construction site of the Hyundai Motor Group–LG Energy Solution joint battery venture (HL-GA Battery Company) in Georgia, reportedly as part of a crackdown on undocumented workers.
According to local media, including the Savannah Morning News, agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed search operations beginning around 9:30 a.m. at the HL-GA battery plant site near Savannah.
While specific charges and the number of arrests have not yet been disclosed, industry observers note that ICE’s involvement suggests the operation was tied to immigration enforcement. Approximately 900 construction workers and 1,500 production staff are employed at the site.
Authorities closed access to the facility and restricted traffic in the surrounding area, while conducting identity checks on all personnel present. This included not only local workers, but also Korean expatriates, business travelers, and subcontractor staff.
In an official statement, HL-GA Battery Company said: “We are fully cooperating with the authorities regarding activities at our construction site. To support their work, we have temporarily suspended construction operations.”
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
