Hyundai–LG Energy Solution battery plant raided by U.S. immigration authorities now ready to start operations this month

[Financial News] The joint battery plant in the U.S. state of Georgia operated by Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution, which was raided by immigration authorities last year, has finished preparations to begin operations this month.
According to a report on the 14th (local time) by U.S. outlet Semafor, Hyundai Motor Company President José Muñoz said at the "2026 Semafor World Economy" dinner held in Washington, D.C., that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid "did not change our strategic plans." He reiterated the company’s commitment to investing in the United States, saying his top priority is "U, S, A," and added, "If we do well here, we will do well anywhere."
ICE raided the plant last September and detained 317 Korean workers who had entered the United States on B-1 Temporary Business Visitor visas or under the visa waiver Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program, treating them as undocumented immigrants. The workers were released after eight days. Construction work was halted due to the incident, and at the time José Muñoz and others said that "completion of the plant will be delayed by two to three months."
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) in February, Muñoz said that "most of the workers who were detained have obtained new visas and are again helping build the plant," and noted, "The facility should be completed and able to start operations in the first half of this year."
whywani@fnnews.com Hong Chae-wan Reporter