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Around 300 South Korean workers detained during an immigration enforcement raid in Georgia are set to depart the United States at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time Wednesday, Yonhap News reported, citing a diplomatic source. The workers had been involved in the $4.3 billion Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution battery manufacturing project for electric vehicles.

Diplomatic Coordination and High-Level Meetings

South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House on Wednesday to discuss measures preventing similar incidents in the future and to secure assurances that the returning workers will be able to re-enter the U.S. for work.

Before leaving for Washington, Cho emphasized that ensuring the smooth return of Korean employees and preventing further disruptions to major industrial projects were top priorities.

U.S. Government Response

Former President Trump commented over the weekend that the U.S. would make it “quickly and legally possible” for foreign companies to bring staff into the country as long as U.S. immigration laws are respected. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt reiterated this stance, adding that the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Commerce are collaborating on adjustments to streamline the visa and work authorization processes for international staff.

Impact on Industrial Projects

The detention had raised concerns over potential delays in the production of electric vehicle batteries, a critical component in the global shift toward EV technology. Both Hyundai and LG Energy Solution rely on international talent for advanced manufacturing processes, making swift resolution essential to keep the project on schedule.

Analysts suggest that such incidents highlight the need for clearer immigration guidelines for highly skilled foreign workers, particularly in sectors where global supply chains and technical expertise intersect.

The chartered flight marks the culmination of intensive diplomatic engagement between Washington and Seoul, aiming to balance U.S. immigration enforcement with the operational needs of international corporations operating in the United States.