Trump warns foreign firms to hire and train U.S. workers after Hyundai battery plant raid

U.S. president Donald Trump has warned foreign companies to hire and train American workers following the Immigration Enforcement Operation on South Korean carmaker Hyundai Motor Company’s battery plant in Georgia.

“I am hereby calling on all Foreign Companies investing in the United States to please respect our Nation’s Immigration Laws. Your Investments are welcome, and we encourage you to LEGALLY bring your very smart people, with great technical talent, to build World Class products, and we will make it quickly and legally possible for you to do so. What we ask in return is that you hire and train American Workers,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Last week, US federal agents detained 475 people including about 300 from South Korea. The U.S. authorities said these people were “illegally” working at the battery plant in Georgia.

In a statement on September 5, 2025, Hyundai Motor Company said it is aware of the immigration enforcement action that took place at the construction site of its supplier, the HL-GA Battery Company in Bryan County, Georgia.

“We are closely monitoring the situation while working to understand the specific circumstances. Based on our current understanding, none of those detained is directly employed by Hyundai Motor Company,” the South Korean auto giant said.

Hyundai Motor India said it is committed to full compliance with all laws and regulations in every market where it operates. “This includes employment verification requirements and immigration laws. We expect the same commitment from all our partners, suppliers, contractors, and subcontractors,” it added.

“The safety and well-being of everyone working at our sites, whether directly employed by us or working for our suppliers, is a top priority. We take our responsibility as a corporate citizen seriously, and incidents like this remind us of the importance of robust oversight throughout our entire supply chain and contractor network,” the automaker said.

Hyundai said it is reviewing its processes to ensure that all parties working on its projects maintain high standards of legal compliance. “This includes thorough vetting of employment practices by contractors and subcontractors,” it said.

The South Korean auto major said it will conduct an investigation to ensure all suppliers and their subcontractors comply with all laws and regulations. “As we continue to invest in American manufacturing and create thousands of jobs, we will do so in full accordance with U.S. law and in a manner that reflects our values of treating all people with dignity and respect,” it said.