Hyundai Raid Shatters Trump’s Factory Push

The Trump administration hailed last week’s raid at a Hyundai-LG car battery plant under construction in Georgia as a labor victory, Evan Halper and Shannon Osaka reported for The Washington Post.

More than 400 workers were detained in the raid, involving over 400 agents. (Photo: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Facebook) 

Immigration and manufacturing experts, however, warned the move could backfire, highlighting how strict US rules make it difficult for foreign companies to bring in skilled workers essential to building advanced factories.

“Episodes like this are going to make many companies way more cautious before investing here,” said Giovanni Peri, an economics professor at the University of California, Davis.

More than 400 workers were detained in the raid, involving over 400 agents. US Attorney Margaret E. Heap said the operation aimed to curb illegal employment and prevent exploitation.

Hyundai said it did not believe the detained workers were directly employed by the company.