U.S. immigration enforcement officials conduct a raid at a factory construction site in Georgia. Yonhap News Agency. 

LG Energy Solution has stated that its factory construction in the United States has not been halted following the detention of workers in Georgia.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 16th (local time), Lee Hyuk-jae, Head of LG Energy Solution's North America region, told reporters at an automotive industry event in Detroit, "We are responding very diligently to ensure that all sites are not impacted for our customers," and made these remarks.

LG Energy Solution is currently building four battery factories in the United States, including the joint venture battery factory with Hyundai Motor Group in Georgia, where the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted its raid.

However, Lee did not provide specific details on how construction is continuing after the Korean workers arrested by ICE returned to their home country.

He stated, "We need to find ways to operate without problems regardless of any situation that arises, and we are currently doing so."

Furthermore, Lee stated that the U.S. visa system needs to be changed to allow skilled Korean workers to enter the United States more easily, using this incident as an opportunity.

He said, "Many people have been aware of this issue for a long time," and expressed his hope, "This incident has brought more attention to this issue, and it could lead to positive changes."

Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Group, which is jointly building a battery factory in Georgia with LG Energy Solution, expressed concern about potential disruptions to the factory construction.

Previously, Jose Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, stated regarding the impact of the worker detention incident on factory construction, "It will be delayed by at least two to three months."

Yonhap News Agency