突发！韩国在美合资电池工地遭突查，475人被拘

Core Viewpoint - The recent immigration enforcement action in Georgia has led to the suspension of the $4.3 billion battery project by Hyundai-LG, significantly impacting the automotive industry in both South Korea and the U.S. [3] Group 1: Enforcement Action Details - On September 5, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security conducted a large-scale immigration enforcement operation at the HL-GA Battery Company construction site, detaining 475 individuals, primarily South Korean citizens [5][7] - The operation, named "Operation Low Voltage," aimed to address the employment of unauthorized workers and was described as one of the largest single-site enforcement actions in history [5][7] - The enforcement has led to a temporary halt in the battery project, raising concerns about compliance management and local battery sourcing capabilities [3][8] Group 2: Reactions and Implications - The South Korean government has negotiated the release of detained individuals and is working on arrangements for their return, while expressing regret over the incident [7][8] - Hyundai has stated that the detained individuals are not direct employees and will conduct compliance audits of its suppliers and subcontractors [7][11] - The incident has prompted discussions about the need for enhanced compliance mechanisms in labor verification and the importance of aligning visa types with job functions [13] Group 3: Impact on the Automotive Industry - The Georgia Metaplant is a critical site for Hyundai's electrification strategy, with the HL-GA Battery project expected to produce 30 GWh of batteries annually by early 2026 [11] - The suspension of the battery project could lead to increased costs and uncertainty in the supply chain for electric vehicle production, as the company may need to source battery cells externally [11][13] - Compliance with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is crucial for tax credits, making local battery sourcing and supply chain transparency essential for the project's success [11][13]