After Georgia ICE raid detains hundreds, South Korea sends minister to US

Georgia Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid on the Hyundai battery plant has sparked diplomatic tensions between the two long-standing allies.

Following the raid, South Korea’s top diplomat is travelling to the United States to discuss the matter.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung labelled the detention of hundreds of South Korean nationals as “unjust infringement.”

Around 300 workers were detained in the raid, marking one of the largest ICE operations in recent years. ICE officers even caught many in handcuffs and leg chains that is spreading outrage and political disapproval in South Korea on both ends of the political spectrum.

In the official statement, President Lee stated that the individuals “must have been greatly shocked by this sudden event,” and he expressed his “profound sense of responsibility” for their safety.

The government of South Korea has also started the negotiations to repatriate its citizens with a chartered Korean Air jet, returning them to Incheon International Airport.

This incident has undermined the recent multi-billion-dollar investments by South Korean companies in the US which were initiated after a summit between the leaders of the two countries.

A deficit of domestic contentment has prompted Foreign Minister Cho Hyun to travel to Washington to negotiate.

Although the agenda of his meeting has not been revealed yet, the move highlights Seoul's urgency to address what many perceive as disrespectful treatment of its citizens and a threat to the seven-decade-old alliance.