White House, Georgia Democrats, Rep. Buddy Carter, more respond to Hyundai megasite arrests

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Multiple politicians have provided statements after this morning’s press conference on the Hyundai megasite HSI/ICE operation on September 5, 2025.

At 3:37 p.m., September 5, 2025, the White House provided this statement on the Hyundai ICE raid to WTOC:

The United States is proud to be a home for major investments and looks forward to continuing to build on these historic investments and partnerships that President Trump has secured.

Any foreign workers brought in for specific projects must enter the United States legally and with proper work authorizations.

President Trump will continue delivering on his promise to make the United States the best place in the world to do business, while also enforcing federal immigration laws.

Abigail Jackson, White House spokeswoman

Earlier today, the Georgia Democrats condemned the ICE raid in Bryan County, stating:

The Democratic Party of Georgia strongly condemns this week’s ICE raid at the Bryan County Hyundai plant and the increasingly aggressive presence of ICE in communities across our state.

These raids are politically-motivated fear tactics designed to terrorize people who work hard for a living, power our economy, and contribute to the communities across Georgia that they have made their homes.

The Trump administration breaking its promise to target violent criminals and instead targeting hardworking people does nothing to make Georgia stronger – it is political grandstanding at the cost of Georgia families, businesses, and livelihoods.

DPG Chair Charlie Bailey

Senator Reverend Warnock also gave a statement on the raid in Bryan County.

Following this raid, we need answers.

The Trump administration owes Georgia and the country an explanation as to how this raid, which separated children from working parents, advances the President’s stated immigration priority of removing dangerous and violent criminals from our streets.

And the companies involved must explain how so many workers were allegedly employed with improper documentation.

Companies should not be able to get rich in Georgia by exploiting immigrant workers and putting them at risk of politically motivated raids and violations of due process. It’s bad for our economy, bad for Georgia’s workers, and bad for law-abiding Georgia families living in fear of this administration.

Senator Reverend Warnock

Representative Buddy Carter, meanwhile, applauded the operation, saying:

Jon Ossoff enabled Joe Biden and Washington Democrats to allow illegal immigrants and drug cartels to run rampant in this country for far too long. That’s no longer the case under President Trump and Operation Take Back America.

I applaud the Trump Administration and our brave law enforcement officers for taking bold action to put American workers first and protect our communities from the scourge of illegal immigration.

For anyone who thinks they can take jobs from hardworking Americans and give them to illegal immigrants, take note: not under Donald Trump’s watch.

Rep. Buddy Carter

A spokesperson for Governor Brian Kemp also spoke with WTOC and provided the following statement:

In Georgia, we will always enforce the law, including all state and federal immigration laws.

All companies operating within the State must follow the laws of Georgia and our nation.

The Department of Public Safety coordinated with ICE to provide all necessary support for this operation, the latest in a long line of cooperation and partnership between state law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement.

Spokesperson for Gov. Brian Kemp

House Speaker Jon Burns also issued a statement today, saying:

The United States is a nation founded on the rule of law, and commitment to the rule of law protects us all.

Yesterday’s immigration operation in Bryan County was just that—the enforcement of our laws and regulations. We are greatly appreciative of Hyundai’s cooperation with immigration authorities and state law enforcement officers to ensure each and every worker is in compliance with our federal immigration policies.

The House has proven our commitment to supporting legal immigration and opposing illegal immigration. Here in Georgia, we will continue to uphold the rule of law at every turn.

House Speaker Jon Burns