President Donald Trump urged foreign companies operating in the U.S. to respect immigration laws and prioritise hiring and training Americans after federal agents raided Hyundai’s battery plant in Georgia last week.
The raid led to the arrest of about 475 workers, including roughly 300 South Koreans now being repatriated.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump said foreign investors are welcome, but must comply with U.S. immigration rules, adding that legal pathways exist for bringing in specialised talent while emphasising the need to employ and develop American workers. He later told reporters the incident had not damaged relations with South Korea, though Seoul voiced regret over the arrests and the heavy-handed nature of the operation. Trump also suggested limited visas could be considered for foreign experts to help train U.S. staff.
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Raises uncertainty for foreign automakers’ U.S. operations; modest headwind for Korean equities and supportive for U.S. labour narrative.
