• Trump calls for foreign companies to respect U.S. immigration laws after Hyundai raid.
• Nearly 475 undocumented workers were arrested, raising diplomatic tensions with South Korea.
• South Korea plans to repatriate detained workers following negotiations with U.S. officials.
• Experts worry the raid could discourage foreign investment in the U.S. despite Trump's calls for more.

President Trump has urged foreign companies to comply with U.S. immigration laws in the wake of a significant immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant in Ellabell, Georgia, which resulted in the arrest of around 475 workers, predominantly South Koreans. Following the raid, Trump emphasized on his Truth Social platform, “Your Investments are welcome, and we encourage you to LEGALLY bring your very smart people, with great technical talent” to construct world-class products and hire American workers according to The Hill and Reuters.

The raid, described as the largest single-site enforcement action by U.S. immigration officials, sent shockwaves through South Korean circles, prompting diplomatic discussions concerning the detainment of its citizens. President Lee Jae Myung confirmed plans to send a charter plane to bring detained workers home, underscoring the urgency of resolving the diplomatic rift caused by the incident, as outlined by India Times and Newsweek.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun expressed deep concern over the incident and scheduled discussions with U.S. officials to mitigate fallout and expedite the return of the detainees. The tense situation may threaten South Korea's substantial investment commitments to the U.S., as businesses in both countries express concerns about the unpredictable climate of U.S. immigration enforcement, according to Newsweek and The Hill.

The raid has raised questions about the consistency of Trump's economic policies, aimed at boosting foreign investment while simultaneously enforcing stringent immigration laws. Analysts suggest that the mixed signals could deter potential foreign investors as relations with allies, particularly South Korea, have soured just weeks after the announcement of a major economic partnership aimed at fostering investment, as noted by The Hill and Reuters.

As U.S. officials are still forthcoming about the specifics of the investigation leading to the raid, there remains widespread apprehension among companies about future collaborations. The incident has allegedly prompted many foreign companies to reconsider their investment strategies, as highlighted by the ongoing uncertainty surrounding employment practices and immigration regulation, according to Newsweek and Newsweek.