ICE Raids, Politics, and Human Rights: Lessons from the Korean Workers’ Case
The Largest ICE Raid on Korean Workers: What Really Happened in Georgia? In September, South Korea was shaken by shocking news: more than 300 Korean workers were suddenly detained in the United States during what has now been described as the largest single-site ICE raid in American history . On September 12, a group of 316 Koreans finally returned home through Incheon International Airport. Their arrival was met with tears, relief, and applause from family members. But behind the reunion was a harrowing story of fear, detention, and political controversy . A Sudden Factory Siege The incident took place at a battery factory in Georgia. Workers reported an unusual atmosphere that day as helicopters circled overhead and armored vehicles surrounded the facility. Within hours, around 500 armed ICE agents and military personnel stormed the site. Workers were handcuffed, chained, and transported by bus to a detention facility known for poor conditions. What shocked many was that...