Hyundai Motor America has stated that it is thoroughly reviewing its employment practices in relation to the crackdown on undocumented immigrants at the construction site of the joint battery plant between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution in Georgia, USA.
On September 5 (local time), Hyundai Motor America said in a statement, "We are reviewing our processes to ensure that all stakeholders involved in the project uphold the same level of legal compliance standards as our company."
The company added, "All of our partners, including subcontractors, are making every effort to strictly comply with laws and regulations in every market where they operate, without exception. This includes employment verification requirements and immigration laws. As we invest in U.S. manufacturing and create thousands of jobs, we will fully comply with U.S. laws and apply a zero-tolerance policy to those who break the law."
The previous day, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Georgia State Patrol conducted a large-scale crackdown on undocumented immigrants at the Hyundai Motor Group-LG Energy Solution joint battery plant construction site, arresting 475 people. Of those arrested, approximately 300 are believed to be Korean nationals. It has been reported that none of the detainees are employees directly hired by Hyundai Motor.
A representative from Hyundai Motor headquarters stated, "As far as we have confirmed so far, there are no Hyundai Motor employees among those detained," adding, "We will do our utmost to take necessary measures to ensure the safety of personnel working at the site."
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