South Korea has expressed deep regret over the U.S. government’s decision to publicize images of hundreds of Korean workers being arrested in shackles, calling the timing particularly damaging as it closely followed a summit between the two nations’ leaders. The criticism comes after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raided a Hyundai Motor car battery factory in Georgia and subsequently released video and photos of the operation, which showed workers restrained at the wrists, waist, and ankles.
The crackdown, which resulted in the arrest of approximately 475 workers—including more than 300 Koreans—is the largest single-site enforcement operation in the history of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The incident threatens to strain the relationship between Washington and Seoul, a key Asian ally and significant U.S. investor, at a time when both governments are attempting to finalize a trade deal following the meeting between President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
In a strongly worded statement, South Korea’s First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo conveyed the nation’s displeasure in a telephone call with U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker. The foreign ministry stated that Park found it regrettable the incident “occurred at a critical time, when the momentum of trust and cooperation between the two leaders… must be maintained.” Park further urged the U.S. to ensure a fair and swift resolution, emphasizing that the rights of South Korean investors and citizens should not be unfairly infringed upon during law enforcement operations.
The release of the raid footage, which involved a helicopter and armored vehicles, has drawn criticism from multiple fronts. U.S. lawmakers from Georgia and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus issued a statement saying they were “deeply alarmed,” accusing the Trump administration of targeting immigrant workers to meet deportation quotas instead of focusing on violent criminals. In response to the event, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has ordered an all-out government response, with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stating he may travel to Washington to meet with officials if necessary
