Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D–CA 34th), who represents Los Angeles’ Koreatown, has formally protested the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over a recent immigration raid on Korean workers at the Hyundai–LG Energy Solution electric vehicle and battery plant construction site in Georgia.
Gomez Demands Transparency From DHS
In a September 11 letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Gomez demanded transparency on the legal basis of the operation conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The letter sought clarification on the approval process, the conditions of search warrants, the timing of immigration status checks, and whether lawful residents or U.S. citizens were detained during the sweep.
Gomez also demanded clarification on the legal distinction between “voluntary departure” and “deportation”, and whether those detained may face future visa consequences. He asked DHS to disclose if any negotiations with South Korea influenced the detainees’ release or if the raid was used in broader U.S.–Korea trade and diplomatic talks.
Impact on $7.6 Billion EV and Battery Plant
Calling the raid discriminatory against immigrants, especially Asian Americans, Gomez said it disrupted the $7.6 billion Hyundai-LG EV and battery project in Georgia.
“South Korea is one of America’s closest allies and a key economic partner,” Gomez said. “Instead of being recognized as one of America’s top trade and investment partners, Seoul now finds itself forced to negotiate for the release of hundreds of its citizens in an unprecedented and humiliating situation that undermines the credibility of the United States as a reliable ally and destination for foreign investment.”
Warning of Congressional Hearings
Gomez gave DHS until September 26 to respond and warned that failure to do so could trigger a congressional hearing. He told The Korea Daily that he would “demand answers from DHS through every channel possible, including congressional hearings if necessary.”
Continuous Concerns Over Korean Detainees
This is the second time Gomez has challenged DHS in recent weeks. On August 22, he raised concerns about the detention of Korean nationals Taeheung Kim and Yeonsoo Go. While Go has since been released, Kim remains in custody. Gomez highlighted the case again, calling it “a diplomatic matter that Mr. Kim’s mother has personally petitioned the President of South Korea for intervention” and urged DHS to seek a diplomatic resolution.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
