In a significant operation that underscores the ongoing issue of illegal immigration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a large-scale raid on a Hyundai battery plant construction site in Bryan County, Georgia.
The raid, which took place on Thursday, resulted in the detention of approximately 450 illegal immigrants. The Hyundai construction site, which employs around 1,400 workers, has been the focus of a whistleblower complaint regarding unsafe working conditions and the employment of illegal immigrants.
As reported by Gateway Pundit, the construction site has been marred by several worker deaths, a fact that has raised concerns among local communities. The Atlanta Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was among the agencies that participated in the ICE raid.
In a statement, the ATF Atlanta said, "Today, @ATFAtlanta joined HSI, FBI, DEA, ICE, GSP and other agencies in a major immigration enforcement operation at the Hyundai mega site battery plant in Bryan County, GA, leading to the apprehension of ~450 unlawful aliens, emphasizing our commitment to community safety."
The raid was conducted at the HL-GA Battery Company construction site, a subsidiary of LG Energy Solutions, which is partnering with Hyundai to build the battery plant. Upon arrival, officials announced they had a warrant and ordered an immediate halt to construction.
Mary Beth Kennedy, a senior public relations Specialist for HL-GA Battery Company, confirmed the company's cooperation with the authorities, stating, "HL-GA Battery Company is cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities regarding activity at our construction site. To assist their work, we have paused construction. We do not have further details at this time."
A Hyundai spokesperson echoed this sentiment, affirming the company's commitment to adhering to all labor and immigration regulations. The raid, which was captured on video by WJCL-TV, revealed a scene of chaos with people attempting to flee the site by various means.
The Hyundai construction site has a troubled history, with allegations of employing illegal immigrants, safety issues during construction, and a lack of involvement from local labor companies. A federal lawsuit has also been filed against the Hyundai plant contractor. Kevin Souza, a construction worker at the plant, had previously raised concerns about the safety conditions at the site, particularly for illegal workers.
In a recent meeting with WTOC, Souza expressed relief that action was finally being taken. He said, "Its not just about the workers that are here, its also about the way the workers are treated and the companies that are in there. No one in America should be treated like that, or have to work in these kind of conditions."
The raid was part of a broader effort to enforce immigration laws and ensure worker safety. Steven Schrank, the special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia, provided a press briefing on the raid, which was posted by WSAV-TV.
The Hyundai plant in Bryan County has been a significant investment for the company. Two years ago, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp (R) announced Hyundai's plans to invest billions in the plant.
This recent raid, however, underscores the challenges faced by companies and the government in ensuring adherence to immigration laws and maintaining safe working conditions.
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