Christie Nomm, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), who oversees U.S. immigration policy, used the term "deportation" when referring to those detained in the Georgia immigration crackdown. This statement contradicts the South Korean government's announcement that the detainees would be allowed to leave voluntarily rather than be deported.
According to the Associated Press on September 8 (local time), Secretary Nomm, when asked about the South Koreans detained in Georgia during the "Five Eyes" (the intelligence alliance of the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada) Homeland Security Ministers' meeting in London, said, "People who are in this country (the United States) illegally need to know today that they have an opportunity to go home before they are detained."
She continued, "So, for many of the individuals detained through that operation in Georgia, we are acting according to the law. They will be deported," adding, "A few have engaged in criminal activity beyond simply staying here past their final removal order deadline, and they will be held accountable for that."
Currently, the South Korean government has stated that it reached a broad agreement with U.S. immigration authorities for the release of South Korean company employees in the form of voluntary departure, not deportation. This contradicts Secretary Nomm's remarks. Unlike voluntary departure, deportation carries significant disadvantages such as restrictions on re-entering the United States.
However, it remains unclear whether Secretary Nomm's use of the term "deportation" means that voluntary departure is not being allowed, or whether she was using "deportation" as a general term to include voluntary departure. On September 4, U.S. immigration authorities conducted a raid at the Ellabell battery plant construction site in Georgia, arresting and detaining 475 people, including more than 300 South Koreans. Since there were other nationalities among the 475 people detained, it is possible that Secretary Nomm's comments were not specifically directed at South Koreans. U.S. authorities have not disclosed the specific nationalities or origins of those detained, but it is known that, in addition to South Korean nationals, laborers from Central and South America were also among those detained.
Secretary Nomm said, "This is a great opportunity to make sure every company coming to the United States knows exactly what the rules of the game are," adding that she does not believe this incident will discourage investment in the United States.
She stated, "We encourage every company that wants to come to the United States, contribute to our economy, and hire people to employ U.S. citizens, comply with U.S. law, and bring in people who want to work here in the right way."
She also defended the U.S. government's actions, stating that the government is following the law, and argued, "The stronger the measures we implement, the more we publicize and share them, the more it can inspire other countries to do the same."
Regarding speculation that the expansion of immigration enforcement and the deployment of the National Guard in Chicago had been put on hold due to local opposition, she responded, "Nothing has been stopped. Everything is proceeding at full speed," and added, "We can conduct as many operations as necessary every day for the safety of the United States."
Meanwhile, the Mexican government announced that 23 Mexican nationals have been detained in the U.S. immigration crackdown on undocumented workers at the Hyundai Motor Group-LG Energy Solution joint battery plant construction site in Georgia.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said at a press conference that day, "I have received a report that 23 of those arrested in Georgia last week are our citizens," adding, "We are actively responding with consular assistance, led by local diplomats." She further explained that 13 people have so far requested consular assistance, stating, "Everyone can request support, and it is up to each individual to decide."
President Sheinbaum emphasized that "even those from Mexico who were detained despite having migration permits have the right to protection," and stressed that some of the detainees are being held due to "unjust enforcement."
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