South Korea has raised “concern and regret” following a significant U.S. immigration raid at a major Hyundai manufacturing facility in Georgia, where authorities detained an unspecified number of individuals, including South Korean nationals.

The operation, confirmed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), unfolded Thursday at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, a key economic project in the state.

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lee Jaewoong, addressed the situation today, referencing media reports indicating that approximately 450 people were detained, including around 30 South Korean nationals.

While exact figures remain unclear, Lee described the number of detained South Koreans as “large.” The raid targeted the 3,000-acre site west of Savannah, where Hyundai produces electric vehicles and collaborates with LG Energy Solution on an adjacent battery plant set to open next year. The facility, operational for a year and employing about 1,200 people, is hailed as Georgia’s largest economic development initiative.

ICE spokesperson Lindsay Williams confirmed the enforcement action focused on the battery plant construction site, part of an ongoing criminal investigation into alleged unlawful employment practices and other federal offenses, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

No specific details on detentions or arrests were disclosed.

The operation aligns with broader immigration enforcement efforts under the current administration, which has targeted various industries nationwide. Recent data from the Pew Research Center, based on preliminary Census Bureau figures, indicates a loss of over 1.2 million immigrants from the U.S. labor force between January and July.

In response, Lee emphasized that the business interests of South Korean investors and the rights of their nationals should not be unfairly impacted during U.S. law enforcement actions.

The ministry has deployed diplomats from its Washington embassy and Atlanta consulate to the site, planning to establish an on-site response team to address the matter.

Meanwhile, HL-GA Battery Company, the Hyundai-LG joint venture, stated it is fully cooperating with authorities and has paused construction to support the investigation. Hyundai’s EV production remains unaffected, according to plant spokesperson Bianca Johnson.