US President Donald Trump has called on foreign companies to respect U.S. immigration rules while setting up factories in the country.
His remarks came after an ICE raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia detained around 475 workers, including 300 South Koreans.
On Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Following Hyundai incident, I am hereby calling on all foreign companies investing in the United States to please respect our nation’s immigration laws.”
He added: “Your investment are welcome, and we encourage you to legally bring your very smart people.”
Trump also stressed that companies should hire and train American workers: “What we ask in return is that you hire and train American Workers. Together, we will all work hard to make our Nation not only productive, but closer in unity than ever before. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
ICE Raid Detains 475 Workers
On Friday, ICE officials raided Hyundai’s EV plant in Georgia, detaining 475 workers, including 300 South Koreans. The detainees were held for illegal entry or visa overstays.
Negotiations between the U.S. and South Korea are underway for the release of the 300 workers. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is scheduled to visit the U.S. on Monday to discuss their return.
Yonhap News Agency reported that South Korea will send a chartered plan to bring the detained workers home.
Trump Says US-South Korea Relations Remain Strong
Trump reassured the press that the incident will not affect relations with Seoul. At La Guardia Airport in New York, he said:
“We have a great relationship with South Korea. Hyundai plant issue not straining our relationship.”