South Korea is preparing to repatriate nearly 300 of its citizens who were detained in a sweeping US immigration raid at a Hyundai Motor facility in Georgia. The raid, which took place last Thursday, is now the largest single-site workplace enforcement action in the history of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

In total, 475 workers were arrested at the Ellabell-based EV battery plant, with about 300 confirmed to be South Korean nationals. The facility is part of a $4.3 billion joint investment between Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution and is one of the biggest economic projects ever undertaken in Georgia.

Seoul confirmed on Sunday that negotiations with US authorities have wrapped up, and arrangements for the workers’ release are underway. A charter flight will bring them back to South Korea once formalities are complete, possibly as early as Wednesday, according to Consul General Cho Ki-joong.

The South Korean government expressed alarm over images of workers being shackled and escorted by US agents, often surrounded by armored vehicles. Officials described the scenes as “deeply concerning,” particularly since they came just days after a summit between the US and South Korean presidents where both leaders had pledged closer economic cooperation.

The DHS said the raid was carried out under a judicial warrant linked to alleged unlawful employment practices, stating that many of those detained did not have legal authorization to work in the US. White House immigration chief Tom Homan defended the operation, saying the Trump administration is committed to expanding workplace enforcement as part of its broader crackdown on illegal immigration.

In response, South Korea announced it will review its overseas worker visa systems to prevent similar situations in the future. “We will seek ways to improve the process and prevent a similar event from happening again,” said Kang Hun-sik, presidential chief of staff.

The fallout threatens to complicate ongoing trade talks between the two allies. In July, Washington and Seoul announced a $350 billion fund to support Korean businesses in the US, while Hyundai pledged to boost its US investments to $26 billion, including a new robotics facility.

Meanwhile, LG Energy Solution has suspended most staff travel to the US and recalled personnel already stationed there, citing safety concerns.

President Trump is expected to visit South Korea in October for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which could provide an opportunity for both sides to address the growing diplomatic tension.