US President Donald Trump has called on foreign companies operating in America to follow immigration laws and focus on hiring and training American workers. “Following the Immigration Enforcement Operation on the Hyundai Battery Plant in Georgia, I am hereby calling on all Foreign Companies investing in the United States to please respect our Nation’s Immigration Laws,” he said.
Trump’s comments come days after federal agents raided a Hyundai car battery plant in Ellabell, Georgia, where nearly 475 workers were arrested. Out of those detained, about 300 were South Korean nationals.
Trump via Truth Social said that while the US welcomes foreign investments and skilled workers, companies must go through legal channels. “Your Investments are welcome, and we encourage you to LEGALLY bring your very smart people, with great technical talent, to build World Class products, and we will make it quickly and legally possible for you to do so,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
‘What we ask in return is…’: Trump’s push for hiring American workers
Trump stressed that in return for welcoming investments, companies should focus on hiring and training American workers. He said the goal is to build a stronger, more productive nation while also bringing people together in unity.
“What we ask in return is that you hire and train American Workers. Together, we will all work hard to make our Nation not only productive, but closer in unity than ever before. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he wrote.
Speaking to reporters, Trump noted that the raid had not damaged his ties with South Korea. He also suggested that the U.S. might allow some foreign specialists to come in temporarily to train American workers.
300 South Koreans detained in ICE raids at Hyundai’s Georgia plant
US immigration agents raided Hyundai’s electric vehicle plant in Georgia on Friday, where they detained around 475 workers, out of which, 300 were South Korean nationals. Officials in Seoul also expressed regret about the arrests, especially after videos showed heavily armed vehicles and workers being shackled during the operation, a Reuters report said.
The arrests led to urgent talks between Washington and Seoul. South Korea’s Foreign Minister, Cho Hyun, is expected to travel to the US on Monday to push for the workers’ release.
According to Yonhap news agency, the workers were held for entering the country illegally or overstaying their visas.