Trump tells foreign companies to respect immigration law after Hyundai raid
TOI World Desk | Sep 08, 2025, 20:28 IST
President Donald Trump urged foreign companies to comply with U.S. immigration law after a Hyundai plant raid in Georgia detained nearly 500 workers, including 300 South Koreans. The raid, the largest workplace sweep under Trump’s anti-immigration campaign, triggered diplomatic unease with South Korea and highlighted broader tensions over immigration, tariffs, and national security. While the administration defends its trade policies and military actions, Trump is also navigating sensitive negotiations abroad and criticism at home.
President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to foreign companies operating in the United States following a major immigration enforcement action at a Hyundai manufacturing plant in Georgia. Nearly 500 workers were detained in the raid, including about 300 South Koreans. Officials called it the largest single-site operation under Trump’s renewed effort against undocumented labor.
Footage released by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) showed detained workers restrained with handcuffs and ankle chains as they were escorted onto buses. The raid has quickly become a focal point in domestic immigration policy and U.S.-South Korea relations, raising concerns about economic and diplomatic consequences.
“I am hereby calling on all foreign companies investing in the United States to please respect our nation’s immigration laws,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “Your investments are welcome, and we encourage you to legally bring your very smart people. What we ask in return is that you hire and train American workers.”
Hyundai Motor has advised employees in South Korea to reconsider upcoming business trips to the U.S., with reports indicating staff have been urged to delay travel unless absolutely necessary. While Trump insisted the raid had not harmed his personal ties with South Korea, it threatens to complicate one of America’s key trade partnerships.
The raid occurred as Trump’s economic team continues to defend his sweeping global tariff policies. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent dismissed corporate concerns that tariffs act as hidden taxes on Americans. Companies like John Deere, Nike, and Black & Decker have warned of potential losses in the billions, but Bessent, a former hedge fund billionaire, rejected the criticism, arguing that Trump’s trade strategy strengthens the U.S. economy.
Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance stirred controversy by defending a U.S. military strike against a Venezuelan vessel accused of drug trafficking, which killed 11 people. In a social media post, Vance called the operation “the highest and best use of our military.” His comments faced backlash from the Republican chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, who labeled them “despicable” and supportive of extrajudicial killings.
On the international front, Trump indicated progress was being made toward securing the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, stating a deal could come “soon.” He also confirmed plans to speak directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while European leaders are expected in Washington early this week for talks on the ongoing war in Ukraine.
At home, Trump received mixed reactions at the U.S. Open men’s final in New York, where he was both booed and cheered during the national anthem. Broadcasters reportedly avoided showing negative crowd reactions on camera. In Chicago, faith leaders prepared congregations for possible immigration crackdowns and warned of National Guard deployments, urging parishioners to keep identification with them and stay connected with family.
Separately, attorneys representing survivors of Jeffrey Epstein expressed frustration, stating they have not been contacted by the Justice Department despite Trump’s repeated promises to reveal the full extent of Epstein’s crimes.
These developments highlight the competing pressures facing Trump as he aims to show strength on immigration and trade while navigating global crises and domestic unrest.
Footage released by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) showed detained workers restrained with handcuffs and ankle chains as they were escorted onto buses. The raid has quickly become a focal point in domestic immigration policy and U.S.-South Korea relations, raising concerns about economic and diplomatic consequences.
“I am hereby calling on all foreign companies investing in the United States to please respect our nation’s immigration laws,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “Your investments are welcome, and we encourage you to legally bring your very smart people. What we ask in return is that you hire and train American workers.”
Hyundai Motor has advised employees in South Korea to reconsider upcoming business trips to the U.S., with reports indicating staff have been urged to delay travel unless absolutely necessary. While Trump insisted the raid had not harmed his personal ties with South Korea, it threatens to complicate one of America’s key trade partnerships.
Wider political and economic impacts
The raid occurred as Trump’s economic team continues to defend his sweeping global tariff policies. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent dismissed corporate concerns that tariffs act as hidden taxes on Americans. Companies like John Deere, Nike, and Black & Decker have warned of potential losses in the billions, but Bessent, a former hedge fund billionaire, rejected the criticism, arguing that Trump’s trade strategy strengthens the U.S. economy.
Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance stirred controversy by defending a U.S. military strike against a Venezuelan vessel accused of drug trafficking, which killed 11 people. In a social media post, Vance called the operation “the highest and best use of our military.” His comments faced backlash from the Republican chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, who labeled them “despicable” and supportive of extrajudicial killings.
Trump balances foreign and domestic challenges
On the international front, Trump indicated progress was being made toward securing the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, stating a deal could come “soon.” He also confirmed plans to speak directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while European leaders are expected in Washington early this week for talks on the ongoing war in Ukraine.
At home, Trump received mixed reactions at the U.S. Open men’s final in New York, where he was both booed and cheered during the national anthem. Broadcasters reportedly avoided showing negative crowd reactions on camera. In Chicago, faith leaders prepared congregations for possible immigration crackdowns and warned of National Guard deployments, urging parishioners to keep identification with them and stay connected with family.
Separately, attorneys representing survivors of Jeffrey Epstein expressed frustration, stating they have not been contacted by the Justice Department despite Trump’s repeated promises to reveal the full extent of Epstein’s crimes.
These developments highlight the competing pressures facing Trump as he aims to show strength on immigration and trade while navigating global crises and domestic unrest.