Georgia Lawmakers Respond to Major ICE Operation at Hyundai Plant

Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies carried out a large-scale immigration enforcement operation on September 4 at the Hyundai factory site near Savannah. ICE special agents, in collaboration with multiple agencies, executed a federal search warrant as part of an active, ongoing criminal investigation.

The operation targeted serious allegations of unlawful employment practices and other potential federal crimes. According to federal officials, 475 individuals were detained during the coordinated action, which involved Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, FBI, DEA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, IRS, and the Georgia State Patrol.

ICE emphasized the importance of lawful employment practices, noting that the agency “welcomed companies seeking to invest in the United States while adhering to the law.”

---

Democratic Response

State Senator Nabilah Islam Parkes (D–Duluth) issued a strongly worded statement condemning the raid and highlighting its impact on immigrant communities in Georgia:

“I strongly condemn the unprecedented, mass ICE raid of 475 workers at the Hyundai plant in Bryan County, the majority of whom were Korean nationals. These hardworking Georgians are our neighbors and friends, pursuing the shared American Dream of providing for their families and building a better future. I remain incredibly frustrated with our state and its leadership for continuing to bow to the federal government’s counterproductive immigration policies instead of working toward a humane solution that prioritizes immigrants across Georgia, their families and the communities they continue to support. These raids are not meant to promote safety but rather intimidate, divide and remove immigrant families from their homes, all while simultaneously throwing our economy into disarray.

As the Senator for Georgia’s 7th Senate District, home to the largest Korean community in Georgia, I will always speak up against oppression that targets our diverse communities. I will continue to fight for all immigrant communities in my district and across our state. Immigrants always have and always will make Georgia and our country stronger, and they deserve the same just and humane treatment as every other Georgian.”

---

Republican Response

House Speaker Jon Burns (R–Newington) defended the immigration enforcement action, framing it as a necessary application of the rule of law:

“The United States is a nation founded on the rule of law, and commitment to the rule of law protects us all.

Yesterday’s immigration operation in Bryan County was just that—the enforcement of our laws and regulations. We are greatly appreciative of Hyundai’s cooperation with immigration authorities and state law enforcement officers to ensure each and every worker is in compliance with our federal immigration policies.

The House has proven our commitment to supporting legal immigration and opposing illegal immigration. Here in Georgia, we will continue to uphold the rule of law at every turn.

The Atlanta division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed that approximately 450 workers were detained at the site during the joint operation. Lawmakers from both parties are now weighing in, reflecting broader divisions over immigration enforcement, economic impact, and community trust in the wake of the raid.