U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen visited London on the 8th. Reuters Yonhap News. 

Regarding Korean workers detained at an immigration facility in Georgia, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen stated that most were detained for ignoring removal orders, and that "a few" were involved in criminal activities, according to an AP report on the 8th (local time).

Nielsen made these remarks about the detention of Koreans in Georgia while attending a meeting of "Five Eyes" (an intelligence alliance of the U.S., UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada) homeland security ministers in London.

Nielsen told reporters that most of the detained Koreans were being held for disregarding "removal orders" and were scheduled for deportation. She added that "a few" were involved in other criminal activities and would "face consequences accordingly," AP reported.

Previously, South Korean diplomatic sources had stated that efforts were being made for the Korean workers to return to their home country through voluntary departure rather than deportation.

This suggests that the U.S. side may be characterizing "voluntary departure" as "deportation" from their perspective.

The mention of "disregarding removal orders" is noteworthy, as it implies that the U.S. side was aware of the immigration status issues of the Korean workers and may have provided some form of notification to the companies before the crackdown.

Regarding the incident, Secretary Nielsen commented, "This is a great opportunity to ensure that all companies understand what the rules of the game are when they come to the United States," and expressed her view that this incident would not deter investment in the U.S.

She stated, "We encourage all companies that come to the United States and want to contribute to our economy and employ people, to bring people who are trying to employ American citizens, follow American laws, and do things the right way."

Reuters also reported that Secretary Nielsen defended the government's actions in this matter, asserting that the U.S. government is following the law and suggesting that strong U.S. measures could inspire other countries to act similarly.

Nielsen denied speculation that plans for expanded immigration crackdowns and the deployment of the National Guard in Chicago had been put on hold due to opposition from local authorities. She stated, "Nothing has been put on hold," and "Everything is moving forward at full speed."

Yonhap News Agency