Where U.S., South Korea relations stand after massive ICE raid at Hyundai plant

CBS News

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Video Summary

South Korea is reportedly chartering a flight to Atlanta to bring back over 300 of its citizens detained by ICE during a raid on a Hyundai plant. The workers are suspected of living and working in the U.S. illegally, allegedly overstaying business visas. This incident marks a low point in recent U.S.-South Korea relations, impacting political, defense, and significant business ties, including South Korea's pledge to invest $350 billion in the U.S.

South Korean President Lee Yong has expressed responsibility for the detained workers, criticizing their treatment as an "unfair infringement." The DHS called the raid the biggest single-site enforcement action in its history. Despite the current tension, experts remain optimistic that U.S.-South Korea relations, vital for trade and security, will recover, with President Trump signaling a desire for continued, albeit legal, foreign investment and workforce.

Short Highlights

Over 300 South Korean workers were detained by ICE during a raid on a Hyundai plant in Atlanta.
The workers are suspected of overstaying their visas, including ESTA and B1 business visas.
South Korea's President Lee Yong condemned the treatment of his citizens as an "unfair infringement."
The ICE raid was described as the largest single-site enforcement action by the DHS.
Despite the incident, there is optimism that U.S.-South Korea relations, vital for trade and defense, will improve, with calls for legal foreign investment.

Key Details

ICE Raid on Hyundai Plant and Worker Detainment [0:00]

Over 300 South Korean workers were detained in a massive ICE raid at a Hyundai plant in Atlanta.
The workers are suspected of living and working in the U.S. illegally.
A chartered flight is reportedly being sent to Atlanta to bring the workers back to South Korea.
The raid is considered the biggest single-site enforcement action in the history of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Allegations include workers overstaying visas, such as ESTA (90-day business visits) or B1 business visas that do not permit manual labor.

The incident involves the detention of over 300 South Korean workers by ICE during a raid on a Hyundai plant, with the workers allegedly violating visa regulations. This has led to plans for a chartered flight to repatriate them, marking a significant enforcement action by the DHS.

"More than 300 South Korean workers were detained during that raid suspected of living and working in the US illegally."

Impact on U.S.-South Korea Relations [0:27]

The incident is described as a "low point" in recent U.S.-South Korea relations.
Bilateral relations are considered hugely important, impacting politics, defense (vis-à-vis North Korea and China), and business.
South Korea was the U.S.'s sixth biggest trading partner last year.
In July, Seoul pledged to invest $350 billion in the U.S. as part of a trade and tariff deal.
The current situation is described as "putting ties into a spin."

This event has strained the relationship between the U.S. and South Korea, which is crucial for various strategic and economic reasons, including trade and defense cooperation. The significant investment pledge from Seoul underscores the importance of maintaining a strong bilateral partnership.

"This is a low point right now in at least recent US South Korea relations and really relations are are hugely important."

South Korean President's Reaction and Criticism [1:04]

South Korean President Lee Yong has weighed in on the incident.
He feels a "great responsibility" for the detained workers, some of whom were seen shackled.
President Lee Yong called the American treatment of the workers an "unfair infringement of our people and our corporate activities."

President Lee Yong has voiced strong disapproval of how the detained South Korean workers were treated, highlighting concerns about their dignity and the impact on corporate activities, labeling the actions as unfair.

"He said he feels uh what he calls a great responsibility for these people. Some who we can see there were were shackled and he called American treatment of them an unfair uh infringement of our people and our corporate uh activities."

Sentiment in South Korea and Business Perspective [1:48]

James Kim, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Seoul, stated that people in South Korea are "not happy" and the sentiment is "very very negative."
The news has been constantly covered from morning to evening in South Korea.
Despite the negative sentiment, South Koreans view America as their number one partner.
James Kim referred to the incident as a "blip," noting that South Korea has become America's number one foreign direct investor in the past couple of years.
He expressed optimism that Washington and Seoul will overcome this challenge.

There is significant public disapproval in South Korea following the ICE raid, with constant media coverage reflecting negative sentiment. However, the underlying view of the U.S. as a primary partner persists, and business leaders express hope for a swift resolution and continued strong economic ties.

"everyone who I speak to they view America as its number one partner here from from South Korea."

President Trump's Response and Call for Legal Investment [2:46]

President Trump's reaction could have been harsher, but he appears to be leaving an opening for reconciliation.
He posted on Truth Social, addressing foreign companies operating in the U.S.
Trump stated that investments are welcome and encouraged companies to "legally bring your very smart people."
James Kim echoed this message, urging companies to invest and bring resources to America, but to do so legally.
Trump also suggested that foreigners should come to the U.S. to train American workers, enabling them to eventually perform manufacturing tasks themselves.

President Trump has issued a message encouraging foreign investment and the legal entry of skilled workers into the U.S., indicating a desire to mend relations and continue economic partnerships while emphasizing adherence to immigration laws.