LONDON (AP) – U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated on Monday that the recent immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia, which resulted in the detention of hundreds of workers, will not deter investment in the United States. She emphasized that such strict enforcement actions reflect a clear stance on the Trump administration’s policies, providing certainty to companies looking to invest in the U.S.
The raid, executed on September 4, led to the detention of 475 workers, with over 300 being South Korean nationals. This incident has sparked confusion, shock, and feelings of betrayal within South Korea, a U.S. ally. During a meeting in London with ministers from the “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing partnership, Noem remarked, “This is a great opportunity for us to make sure that all companies are reassured that when you come to the United States, you’ll know what the rules of the game are.”
Noem called for international businesses to focus on hiring U.S. citizens while also welcoming foreign workers who comply with American laws. She indicated that many of the detained Koreans would be deported for previously ignoring removal orders, although a few may face legal consequences for additional criminal activities.
During the discussions in London, newly appointed U.K. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood welcomed Noem along with other international ministers to talk about crucial issues such as unauthorized migration, child sexual abuse, and the proliferation of opioids. Mahmood, who recently took over the role in a Cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stated that the aim of the meeting was to implement new measures to safeguard borders in collaboration with their Five Eyes partners.
Despite sharing common challenges, the Five Eyes countries have differing approaches to migration policies. Noem noted that the Trump administration's aggressive tactics, including street raids, mass detentions, and deportations, have garnered both domestic and international criticism as well as numerous legal obstacles.
Noem insisted that the stringent immigration policies serve as encouragement for other countries to adopt similar measures. She dismissed claims that plans to expand immigration raids or deploy the National Guard in Chicago were stalled, asserting that operations would proceed without interruption: “Nothing's on hold. Everything is full speed ahead,” she stated.
The Five Eyes ministers' meeting also included the participation of Canadian Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, and New Zealand's Attorney General and Defense Minister Judith Collins. In addition to discussing border security, Mahmood pointed out the pressing issue of migrant crossings in the U.K., particularly through the English Channel, which has seen approximately 30,000 crossings this year alone.
The Labour government is under increasing pressure to address this issue effectively, facing calls from opposition parties to reconsider its adherence to the European Convention on Human Rights for more assertive actions against migrants. Although the government maintains its commitment to the Convention, it plans to revise how its terms are interpreted within British law. Mahmood mentioned potential visa suspensions for nations unwilling to accept back their nationals residing illegally in the U.K., although she refrained from naming specific countries.
