Mon Sep 08 05:20:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**U.S. Immigration Authorities Raid Hyundai EV Plant Construction Site in Georgia**
**ELLABELL, Ga. (AP) —** Federal immigration authorities executed a search warrant Thursday at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in southeast Georgia, halting construction on a battery plant adjacent to the electric vehicle manufacturing facility.
The raid, confirmed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesman Lindsay Williams, focused on the battery plant construction site located on the 3,000-acre property west of Savannah. The Department of Homeland Security stated the search was part of an ongoing criminal investigation into alleged unlawful employment practices and other serious federal crimes.
The Hyundai Metaplant, a $7.6 billion project touted as the largest economic development in Georgia history, began EV production a year ago and employs approximately 1,200 people. The operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Georgia State Patrol, which assisted federal authorities by blocking roads leading to the site.
Social media footage showed Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents ordering construction workers to cease work immediately. While operations at the existing EV manufacturing plant were not affected, the HL-GA Battery Company, a joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution slated to open next year, confirmed it had paused construction and was cooperating fully with authorities.
Hyundai plant spokesperson Bianca Johnson stated production and office hours were unaffected, and employees were able to access the facility.
The raid comes amidst a reported decline in the U.S. immigrant labor force, and as the Trump administration has undertaken sweeping ICE operations as part of a mass deportation agenda.
This is a developing story. The Associated Press will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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