South Korean workers file claims against US agencies over Georgia raid

More than 300 South Korean workers have begun filing administrative claims against nine federal agencies after a Sept. 4, 2025 raid at a Hyundai Motor Group–LG Energy Solution battery plant site in Ellabell, Georgia, that detained 475 workers. The claims are required under the Federal Tort Claims Act before a federal lawsuit. First claimant Kim cited seven days' detention, "humiliating living conditions," and "lasting psychological trauma." Their attorney said the goal is "to make the US government recognize the enormous and unjust mistake it made, acknowledge it and apologize for it." What is contested: Workers reported shackling by armed agents, cells with up to 80 men, and pressure to sign documents without adequate interpretation. Four said they were on valid visas and got no reason for detention. One said: "Even after we were fully detained, we did not know why we had been taken or what crime we had committed. We didn't know anyone. Everyone was just confused." DHS said ICE "executed judicial search warrants as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal employment practices and other serious federal crimes." CBP said those arrested violated visa conditions by working illegally. The warrant reportedly named only four targets, none South Korean. Lawyers aim to complete all roughly 300 filings by year's end. Outcomes remain unresolved.