Speaking Monday (local time) in London during a meeting of security ministers, Noem said the workers caught in the raid “are going to be deported,” adding that some also face additional charges beyond immigration violations.
“We’re following the law,” she said. “A few of those had criminal activity beyond just being here past final removal orders, and they will face the consequences for that.”
Deportation typically carries heavy penalties, including bans on re-entering the United States. By contrast, South Korea has been pressing for “voluntary departure,” which would allow workers to leave without creating a formal record that could complicate future visa applications.
South Korean officials insist they had reached a broad agreement with U.S. immigration authorities for that outcome. Now, Noem’s comments are raising questions over whether the deal is in jeopardy.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun left for Washington on Monday to coordinate with U.S. officials and ensure the detainees’ safe return. Cho is also expected to push for reforms to visa rules that Korean companies say have hampered their U.S. operations and left them vulnerable to enforcement actions.
Roughly 300 of the 475 people arrested in the Sept. 4 raid at the Hyundai Motor–LG Energy Solution battery plant were South Korean nationals, though it’s not clear if Noem’s remarks apply to all of them.
Noem defended the raid, saying it was “a great opportunity to make sure that every business knows what the rules of the game are when they come to America,” and insisted it would not deter foreign investment.
reporter
Kim Dong-young
davekim0807@ajupress.com
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
