Federal law enforcement authorities are defending the detention Thursday of 475 workers at Hyundai’s electric vehicle battery plant west of Savannah – most Korean nationals – amid complaints from the South Korean government and Democrats.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security executed a search warrant on a construction site as part of a monthslong investigation into allegations of unlawful employment practices at the battery plant involving both Hyundai employees and workers for a variety of contractors and subcontractors, Steven Schrank, special agent in charge of homeland security investigations in Georgia and Alabama, said Friday during a news conference in Savannah.

“This operation underscores our commitment to protecting jobs for Georgians and Americans, ensuring a level playing

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