The corporation at the center of a public relations nightmare following a worksite raid by federal authorities last week previously stated it mandated the work authorizations of both employees and subcontractors. The statement nine months ago suggested a more aggressive approach by the parent company than the statement issued by Hyundai after 475 individuals were detained last Thursday.
In response to an ongoing investigation about undocumented workers by a Savannah-based television station, Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in December 2024 issued a statement in which the company outlined its commitment to ‘robust protocols’ and the investigation of both safety-related incidents and allegations of work theft.
The safety and security of everyone in Hyundai facilities and at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) construction site is our highest priority. HMGMA and its affiliates adhere to strict safety standards throughout the site, and we have robust protocols in place to respond to emergencies at the site, log and record accidents, and investigate incidents. Any concerns about safety are treated with the utmost seriousness and contractors who fail to adhere to HMGMA’s strict safety standards are removed from the site. Hyundai has a strong track record of safety and of adhering to Occupational Industrial Safety and Health policies.
Consistent with the standards and values to which we hold ourselves as a company, Hyundai mandates that all suppliers and business partners strictly comply with labor laws. Hyundai does not condone wage theft in any form and is fully committed to investigating claims of such violations brought forward by any parties affiliated with HMGMA. Additionally, HMGMA follows federal and state requirements to verify the identity and work authorization status of all people it employs. HMGMA requires all parties with whom it directly contracts to ensure that all personnel performing work on its premises have been properly verified according to all applicable federal and state employment and immigration laws. [emphasis added]
Hyundai is proud of our contribution to the state of Georgia, which has to date yielded thousands of quality jobs with competitive wages for American workers, generated hundreds of millions of dollars in private earnings, and contributed millions towards local communities through philanthropic programs and other partnerships.
—Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America
But on September 5, 2025, the company offered a statement with a seemingly different level of responsibility for subcontractors.
Hyundai Motor Company 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.
Hyundai is committed to full compliance with all laws and regulations in every market where we operate. This includes employment verification requirements and immigration laws. We expect the same commitment from all our partners, suppliers, contractors, and subcontractors.
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.
We are reviewing our processes to ensure that all parties working on our projects maintain the same high standards of legal compliance that we demand of ourselves. This includes thorough vetting of employment practices by contractors and subcontractors.
North America Chief Manufacturing Officer Chris Susock will now assume governance of the entire megasite in Georgia and we will conduct an investigation to ensure all suppliers and their subcontractors comply with all laws and regulations.
Hyundai has zero tolerance for those who don’t follow the law.
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.
–Bianca Johnson, Communications and Public Relations Manager, Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America
According to authorities, the majority of the 475 people – or 300 – detained Thursday were Korean nationals. South Korea announced Sunday that they would charter all of their detainees home after administrative procedures are complete. The Consulate General of Mexico said over the weekend that 23 of the detained were Mexican nationals.
The archived article on the December 2024 statement was first published by Kristen Stampfer in the “It’s About Water“ Facebook activist group. The statement by Hyundai was provided to WTOC.
