After hundreds detained in Georgia immigration raid, leaders split on National Guard role with ICE

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Federal authorities detained 475 workers in an immigration raid at the Hyundai-LG battery construction site in Bryan County, marking what officials described as the largest single-site operation in Homeland Security Investigations’ history.

Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Steven Schrank said the action “underscores our commitment to protecting jobs for Georgians and Americans.”

Authorities said most of the workers detained were Korean nationals who either entered the U.S. illegally or overstayed their visas. Many were employed by subcontractors tied to the $7.6 billion project. Hyundai’s electric vehicle plant in Ellabell remains in operation, while LG Energy Solution paused construction to assist investigators.

The raid comes as Gov. Brian Kemp confirmed plans to mobilize about 75 Georgia National Guard soldiers to provide administrative and logistical support to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“I am proud to stand with President Trump’s team in the ongoing efforts to secure our nation’s border and keep Americans safe,” Kemp said in a statement.

The decision has sparked political backlash at the state Capitol.

State Sen. Kenya Wicks, a Fayette Democrat and retired Army officer, said the Guard should not be deployed in immigration enforcement.

“Immigration is not a natural disaster,” Wicks said. “That’s not on the same playing field.”

Republican Senate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte defended the move, saying Guard support helps keep communities secure.

“I think at the end of the day, it’s to make Georgia safer,” Anavitarte said. “Kids want to be safe. They don’t want to be worried that somebody’s going to come at them with a knife or a gun.”

Labor unions and immigrant advocates condemned the raids. The Georgia AFL-CIO called the enforcement “an atmosphere of fear that terrorizes workers and their families.”

Most of the detained workers were transferred to the Folkston ICE Processing Center in southeast Georgia. Federal prosecutors said charges have not yet been filed, and the investigation is ongoing.

Hyundai and LG said they are cooperating with authorities. South Korea’s foreign ministry confirmed it is dispatching diplomats to Georgia, describing the number of its nationals detained as “large.”