SAVANNAH — Approximately 475 people were detained Thursday during an immigration raid at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA)’s megasite, according to a Department of Homeland Security official. 

Steven Schrank, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (a branch of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE) addressed reporters at a news briefing Friday to discuss the operation which he described as “the largest single-site enforcement operation in the history of Homeland Security Investigations.”

“This has been a multi-month criminal investigation,” said Schrank, who confirmed that authorities have received leads from community members and former workers over the past year in support of the investigation, dubbed “Operation Low Voltage.”

The operation concerned collecting evidence related to the unlawful employment of illegal aliens working at both Hyundai and its affiliated contractors.  

“This operation underscores our commitment to protecting jobs for Georgians and Americans, ensuring a level playing field for businesses that comply with the law,” Schrank said. 

Hundreds of ICE and Homeland Security agents executed a federal search warrant at the HL-GA Battery Company, LLC, Ellabell, which sits next to Hyundai’s electric-vehicle producing Metaplant. LG Energy Solutions – the in parent company of HL-GA Battery – is currently partnering with Hyundai to build an adjacent battery plant at the site in the near future.

Mary Beth Kennedy, a senior public relations specialist for HL-GA Battery Company, said HL-GA Battery Company is cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities regarding activity at its construction site and has paused construction in order to assist their work.

To assist their work, we have paused construction. We do not have further details at this time."

The 475 individuals detained – majority of whom are South Korean nationals – are currently being held at the D. Ray James Correctional Facility in Folkston for further processing. 

No “substantial” uses of force were used in the process of detainment, Schrank said. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, several people attempted to flee the location, running into a sewage pond located on the premises. One agent suffered a minor laceration welt, Schrank said.

The Georgia State Patrol and the Georgia Department of Public Safety previously confirmed they were assisting federal agencies in serving the warrant as well.  

The investigation is ongoing, and no criminal charges have been announced as of Friday, Schrank confirmed.