South Korea Launches Probe into Possible Human Rights Violations in ICE Raid

(MENAFN) South Korea is urgently examining the possibility of human rights violations in connection with the raid and subsequent detention of Korean workers by U.S. immigration authorities in Georgia earlier this month, local media reported Monday.

"I understand that the government is conducting a more thorough review with the companies to determine whether any human rights violations occurred," media quoted South Korea's presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung as saying.

Over 300 South Korean nationals were allowed to return home on Friday, following a week of detention. The workers had been detained after a raid by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a construction site for a Hyundai-LG battery plant in Bryan County, Georgia. This followed diplomatic negotiations between the two nations.

The detained workers shared accounts of poor conditions, including overcrowded spaces, moldy mattresses, cold environments, and minimal access to basic hygiene facilities. Some workers also reported being shackled with chains around their waists, legs, and wrists during their arrests and said they were treated harshly by U.S. immigration officers.

"The Foreign Ministry is looking at whether our demands were properly addressed, and the companies are also conducting their own reviews to check whether any measures were insufficient on either the Korean side or U.S. side," Kang said.

South Korea has reiterated that the rights and dignity of its citizens must be respected and is expressing its strong regret to the U.S. over the incident.

Washington has also voiced "deep regrets" over the situation.

"Some of our requests have been accepted, and there were improvements. However, we will continue to look into whether any issues or inconveniences for our citizens remain," Kang concluded.

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