LG Energy Solution announced that, in relation to the crackdown on undocumented workers at the construction site of the Hyundai Motor Group-LG Energy Solution joint battery plant (HL-GA Battery Company) in Georgia, USA, "We are making every effort on all fronts for the prompt release of our employees and those of our partner companies who have been detained. In addition, we are suspending all business trips to the United States for our employees."
On the 6th, LG Energy Solution stated, "Among those detained, a total of 47 are employees of LG Energy Solution (46 from Korea and 1 from Indonesia), and there are approximately 250 employees from partner companies involved with HL-GA Battery Company." The company added that it is currently working to determine the exact number and nationalities of the partner company employees.
LG Energy Solution has issued a directive to suspend all business trips to the United States except for customer meetings, and instructed employees currently on business trips to return to Korea immediately or remain at their accommodations, depending on their work status.
LG Energy Solution also stated, "We are identifying regularly taken medications for the detainees through emergency contact networks with their families and plan to request that necessary medicines be delivered to the detainees." The company added, "We are working closely with the Korean government and relevant authorities to arrange meetings with the detainees and will also request that communication and contact be made possible."
In response to this crackdown, Kim Kisoo, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHO) of LG Energy Solution, will depart for the United States on the morning of the 7th to respond on-site in Georgia.
The previous day, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Georgia State Patrol conducted a large-scale crackdown on undocumented workers at the Hyundai Motor Group-LG Energy Solution joint battery plant construction site, arresting 475 people. It has been determined that more than 300 of those arrested are Korean nationals.
Previously, Hyundai Motor America released a statement on the 5th (local time), saying, "Hyundai Motor applies a zero-tolerance policy to those who do not comply with the law," and added, "As we invest in U.S. manufacturing and create thousands of jobs, we will strictly comply with U.S. laws."
It has been reported that none of the detainees are employees directly hired by Hyundai Motor.
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