South Koreans detained in U.S. immigration raid arrive back home to applause and protests
The workers came out of the baggage claim in groups, accompanied by officials and police officers. Some waved, some carried bags or other belongings, and many were wearing masks. There was some applause from onlookers as each new group emerged.
More than a dozen buses parked outside the arrivals area waited to take the returning workers to be reunited with their families elsewhere.
The plane, which was chartered by the South Korean government, took off from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport around noon ET on Thursday, a day after South Korean officials had originally hoped.
The South Korean foreign ministry said Trump delayed the repatriation in order to discuss with South Korea whether its detained nationals should remain in the U.S. to continue their work helping to set up an electric vehicle battery plant being jointly built by South Korean companies Hyundai and LG Energy Solution.
South Korean officials said it would be best for them to return home first after spending a week in ICE detention.
The workers were released shortly after 2 a.m. ET Thursday from the Folkston ICE Processing Center in rural Georgia, without any physical restraints such as handcuffs — one of South Korea’s main demands in negotiations with U.S. officials.
Construction on the $4.3 billion battery plant, part of a bigger complex in the town of Ellabell that is expected to create about 8,500 American jobs, has been delayed by at least two to three months, a spokesperson for Hyundai North America confirmed to NBC News on Thursday, citing Hyundai chief executive Jose Munoz.
Of the detained South Koreans, 47 were employed by LG Energy Solution and the rest were hired by subcontractors. Hyundai, South Korea’s largest automaker, said none of its direct employees were detained.
In a statement, LG Energy Solution apologized to the workers and their families and thanked the South Korean government and others who worked to secure their release.
“We are profoundly thankful for the extraordinary efforts to not only ensure an unusually swift release but also to carefully address various concerns, including guaranteeing that there will be no disadvantages upon re-entry,” the company said.
“Above all, our company deeply empathizes with the hardship endured by those affected.”
The workers were in the U.S. under various short-term visa programs that are commonly used for business trips but whose exact guidelines aren’t always clear. Many in South Korea have questioned the fairness of the Trump administration suddenly cracking down on a practice the U.S. has tolerated for years.
The incident has raised concerns about the potential impact on business ties with South Korea, which has pledged $500 billion in U.S. investment, including $26 billion from Hyundai, as part of tariff negotiations.