White House apologised over Georgia raid, says Hyundai boss
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What happened — the facts in brief
U.S. immigration authorities conducted a large raid at the Hyundai-related site in Georgia earlier this year, detaining several hundred workers and prompting a pause in some construction and startup activities at the battery and EV complex. The operation triggered public outcry, diplomatic conversations with South Korea, and concerns about investor confidence.
1Following the raid, South Korean officials and Hyundai leadership raised objections to how the operation was handled; some detained South Korean workers were later returned to South Korea after diplomatic intervention.
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White House response and Hyundai CEO’s comments
José Muñoz, Hyundai’s CEO, told participants at a forum that the White House personally called and apologised over the raid — a development he said came amid sensitive negotiations and the company’s ongoing US expansion plans. Muñoz also indicated Hyundai remains committed to its U.S. investments despite the disruption.
3Separately, White House spokespeople earlier emphasized the administration’s intent to enforce immigration laws while also trying to reassure foreign companies that the U.S. remains open to investment — language that sought to balance enforcement with commercial diplomacy.
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Why the apology matters
An apology from the White House — even if delivered privately to company leadership — is significant because the incident had immediate diplomatic and commercial fallout: it strained U.S.-South Korean relations briefly, raised investor anxiety about operating in the U.S., and sparked political debate over enforcement practices versus workforce needs for high-tech projects.
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Impact on Hyundai’s U.S. plans
Hyundai has stated the incident will not derail its U.S. strategy. The company has reiterated plans to expand its Georgia operations and continue investments in EV production, while also saying it will adjust timelines and local hiring strategies as needed. Local and state officials have pushed to keep the project on track to protect jobs and long-term investment.
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What to watch next
- Whether federal authorities or Congress open further inquiries into how the raid was conducted and whether protocols were followed.
- Any additional diplomatic steps between Washington and Seoul, including visa or worker-protection agreements.
- How Hyundai adjusts its hiring, training and onboarding plans for U.S. operations — and whether the company seeks more legal clarity on bringing specialized foreign workers temporarily to the U.S.
