Georgia governor meets Hyundai, LG Energy to address immigration raid fallout
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp visited Seoul this week to meet Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution executives following a September immigration raid that disrupted construction at their joint battery plant. Federal agents detained more than 300 Korean workers at the Ellabell facility, delaying completion by two to three months from its 2024 target date.
The companies are developing a $4.3 billion battery factory and a $10.7 billion electric vehicle complex that will generate approximately 40,000 positions. Kemp likely offered expanded tax benefits and administrative assistance to maintain investment levels after the enforcement action raised concerns about project timelines.
LG Energy Solution has resumed limited business travel to American facilities with essential staff holding short-term visas. The governor discussed potential manufacturing visa programs with President Donald Trump to support foreign factory operations.
Korean firms committed over $10 billion to Georgia investments in 2023, creating 12,605 positions while bilateral trade reached $15.8 billion. Authorities released 316 Korean nationals on September 12 after the raid.
