South Korean workers arrive back home after being detained in U.S. immigration raid

Hundreds of workers detained in shackles in the US have returned to South Korea, greeted by applause and media attention. These workers, who were detained during an immigration raid in Georgia, described the experience as frightening, with armored vehicles and guns, and conditions akin to prison. The raid targeted a $4.3 billion battery factory, where 475 individuals were apprehended, accused of working illegally.

The incident has sparked outrage in South Korea and ignited a diplomatic crisis, potentially threatening significant foreign investment in US manufacturing. Companies are concerned that visa issues and the perceived mistreatment of their workers could lead them to reconsider investing in the United States. The delay in the battery factory's opening by 2 to 3 months highlights the challenges in convincing technicians to return.

The South Korean government chartered a plane to bring the workers home, emphasizing their safe and dignified return. The situation has raised questions about the visa system for skilled workers on large projects and has led to calls for a better system to encourage foreign investment.

• Hundreds of workers detained in the US during an immigration raid have returned to South Korea.
• The raid occurred at a $4.3 billion battery factory, where 475 people were apprehended for alleged illegal work.
• Workers described the detention as frightening, with armored vehicles and guns, and harsh conditions.
• The incident has caused outrage in South Korea, potentially impacting diplomatic relations and foreign investment in the US.
• The opening of the battery factory has been delayed by 2 to 3 months due to these challenges.

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US Immigration Raid and Worker Detainment [00:00]

• Hundreds of workers detained in shackles in the US have returned to South Korea.
• They were greeted by applause and media at the airport, with officials requesting privacy for the workers' faces.
• Workers described the raid in Georgia as like being in a movie, with armored vehicles and guns pointed at them.
• They stated there was no option but to surrender, and described cold conditions and prison food.
• One worker expressed feeling "nothing but joy to be home."

The detention of hundreds of workers during a US immigration raid has led to their return to South Korea, where they were welcomed by a mix of public support and media scrutiny. The experience of the raid itself was described as traumatic by those detained.

He says he's feeling quote nothing but joy to be home.

The Immigration Raid Details [00:54]

• The incident began on September 4th when armed agents raided a $4.3 billion battery factory.
• This factory is being built by Hyundai and LG.
• A total of 475 people were rounded up during the raid.
• Immigration officials accused them of working illegally in the US.
• It remains unclear what type of visas they held, or if they had visas at all.
• US authorities stated that the use of foreign laborers hurts American workers, emphasizing accountability for those who exploit the workforce.

This section details the specifics of the immigration raid, including the date, the target site, the number of individuals detained, and the official justification for the action. The ambiguity surrounding the workers' visa status is highlighted, alongside the US government's stance on illegal foreign labor.

US authorities saying using foreign laborers hurts American workers.

We are sending a clear and unequivocal message that those who exploit our workforce, undermine our economy, and violate federal laws will be held accountable.

Diplomatic Fallout and Investment Concerns [01:38]

• Images of Korean workers being cuffed and taken away were broadcast widely, sparking outrage in South Korea.
• South Korea's government chartered a plane to facilitate their return.
• The incident could threaten relations between South Korea and the US.
• The raid has raised alarms for major South Korean companies investing billions of dollars in US manufacturing.
• This foreign investment was something actively sought by the US.
• A key issue identified is the problem with visas, as companies often use short-term visas for skilled workers on projects.
• There are calls for a better system to prevent companies from hesitating to invest in the US.
• It is emphasized that these workers are not there to take American jobs but to bring expertise in areas like semiconductors and electric batteries, where US expertise is currently limited.
• Korean companies invest heavily in the US and need to send personnel to execute their business plans.

The international reaction to the raid has been significant, causing diplomatic tension and prompting concerns among South Korean corporations regarding their substantial investments in the US. The visa system's inadequacy for facilitating necessary skilled labor is identified as a major hurdle, potentially impacting future foreign direct investment.

The problem is visas.

They're not there to take American jobs away. But semiconductors, electric batteries, there's not that much domain expertise in the US right now. And for the Korean companies who invested a lot of money in the US, they need to send people there to execute on the business plan.

Political Repercussions and Project Delays [02:59]

• The raid has also created political fallout due to the upset of many South Koreans regarding the treatment of their workers by an ally.
• The perception of America in South Korea may change due to this event.
• LG has confirmed that the opening of the battery factory will be delayed by 2 to 3 months.
• A significant challenge is convincing the technicians to return to work.
• One engineer stated that "Nobody is going to stay and work when it's like this."
• The returning workers have been urged to rest.

This section discusses the political ramifications of the raid, including public sentiment in South Korea and the practical consequences for the delayed battery factory project. The difficulty in re-engaging the skilled workforce due to their negative experience is a key concern.

I felt like this wasn't something that would happen in the America we know.

Nobody is going to stay and work when it's like this, says this engineer.