Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes (D–Duluth) released a statement regarding a major immigrant enforcement operation conducted by multiple federal organizations, including the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), on September 4 at the Hyundai factory site near Savannah:
“I strongly condemn the unprecedented, mass ICE raid of 475 workers at the Hyundai plant in Bryan County, the majority of whom were Korean nationals. These hardworking Georgians are our neighbors and friends, pursuing the shared American Dream of providing for their families and building a better future. I remain incredibly frustrated with our state and its leadership for continuing to bow to the federal government’s counterproductive immigration policies instead of working toward a humane solution that prioritizes immigrants across Georgia, their families and the communities they continue to support. These raids are not meant to promote safety but rather intimidate, divide and remove immigrant families from their homes, all while simultaneously throwing our economy into disarray.
As the Senator for Georgia’s 7th Senate District, home to the largest Korean community in Georgia, I will always speak up against oppression that targets our diverse communities. I will continue to fight for all immigrant communities in my district and across our state. Immigrants always have and always will make Georgia and our country stronger, and they deserve the same just and humane treatment as every other Georgian.”
The Atlanta division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed in a statement on September 4 that approximately 450 workers were detained at the site during the joint operation.
