Following a large-scale Hyundai plant raid in Georgia, President Donald Trump said the arrests were correct but suggested the U.S. should allow foreign experts to temporarily train American workers.
Details of the Hyundai Plant Raid
Homeland Security Investigations arrested 475 people at the under-construction battery plant. The majority of the South Korean workers arrested in Georgia were employed by subcontractors at the site, which was one of the largest workplace enforcement actions of Trump’s presidency.
According to officials, some arrested individuals had crossed the border illegally, overstayed visas, or entered under waivers that barred them from working. Hyundai stated it owns the site but insisted none of the workers were directly employed by the company.
Trump Suggests Foreign Experts Train Americans
President Trump stated that while the arrests were appropriate, the U.S. must address its industrial needs in fields like battery and computer manufacturing. He proposed a plan to let experts stay in the country to train Americans.
“If you don’t have people in this country right now that know about batteries, maybe we should help them along,” Trump said. “We do have to work something out where we bring in experts so that our people can be trained so that they can do it themselves.”
Donald Trump Truth Social Immigration Stance
On his Truth Social platform, the president urged foreign companies to respect U.S. immigration laws while outlining a new skilled worker immigration policy. His post on Donald Trump Truth Social immigration balanced enforcement with economic needs.
“Your Investments are welcome, and we encourage you to LEGALLY bring your very smart people,” Trump wrote. “What we ask in return is that you hire and train American Workers.“
Diplomatic Deal Reached for Workers
The South Korean government expressed “concern and regret” over the raid before reaching a deal with the U.S. on Sunday. The agreement secured the release of the hundreds of detained migrant workers.
As part of the deal, South Korea will send a charter plane in the coming days to bring the workers back home. The diplomatic resolution came after direct communication between the two governments.
