475 Workers Detained in ICE Raid at Hyundai Site: Can ICE Detain You at Work?

In a massive enforcement action at a Hyundai manufacturing facility in Georgia, federal immigration agents detained 475 individuals suspected of working without lawful status. The raid wasn’t small, accidental, or isolated. It was judicially authorized, coordinated across agencies including ICE, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, and the DEA and it’s a clear sign of what’s coming under the Trump administration.

At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we want our clients, their families, and every immigrant in Connecticut to understand this: Workplace raids are happening again and they’re bigger, faster, and more aggressive than before. If you’re undocumented or unsure of your immigration status, you can no longer afford to ignore this threat.

What Happened in Georgia and Why It Matters to You

Let’s break down what happened at the Hyundai site in Georgia:

• 475 people detained in a single coordinated raid.
• Many were Korean nationals, raising questions about targeted enforcement.
• Those detained weren’t just Hyundai employees, they were also subcontractors and vendors.
• Federal agents labeled this a “judicially authorized enforcement operation” focused on “unlawful employment practices.”

This was not a coincidence or isolated investigation. It was part of a broader strategy to target undocumented workers and the companies that hire them with speed, force, and coordination.

So if this happened in Georgia, why should immigrants in Connecticut care? Because it could happen anywhere.

What Are Your Rights If ICE Raids Your Workplace?

You have rights even if you’re undocumented. But knowing them before the raid is what makes the difference between safety and detention.

Here are some of the most important things to remember:

• You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status.
• You have the right to remain silent.
• You are not required to show identification or documents unless ICE has a warrant signed by a judge.
• Do not run or attempt to flee. This can be used against you.
• Ask: “Am I free to leave?” If they say yes, calmly walk away.
• If you are detained, ask for an attorney immediately.

But here’s the problem: In the panic of a raid, most people don’t remember these rights. And ICE knows it. That’s why they rely on surprise raids to catch people off guard, without lawyers, paperwork, or a plan.

Are These Raids Legal?

The legality of raids depends on whether ICE has proper warrants and judicial authorization. In many cases, they enter workplaces using administrative warrants, which do not allow entry into private areas without consent.

However, during coordinated raids, ICE often partners with other federal agencies to expand its authority. That’s what happened in Georgia. And that’s what makes this new wave of enforcement even more concerning.

The Trump administration is not just relying on ICE, it’s deploying the full weight of federal enforcement. And it’s making your place of work a front line for immigration control.

What Immigrants Across Connecticut Should Ask Themselves Right Now

Whether you’re in Waterbury, Danbury, Norwalk, Bridgeport, or Hartford, this is the time to pause and ask the questions that matter:

• Do I know what to do if ICE shows up at my job?
• Have I spoken to an immigration attorney about my situation—even if I’ve never been arrested or charged?
• Do I have a plan if I’m detained, including a trusted contact and emergency legal support?
• Is my DACA, TPS, or asylum application pending, and have I kept it updated?
• Do I have any prior removal orders or missed court appearances?
• Do my family members know what to do if I don’t come home from work one day?

If your answer to any of these is, “I’m not sure,” it’s time to act. Don’t wait until agents are at your job site. By then, it may be too late.

What’s Driving This Shift?

Under the Trump administration’s second term immigration agenda, worksite enforcement has returned as a top priority. The administration believes that targeting undocumented labor discourages migration and punishes employers who “ignore the law.”

But this strategy ignores real lives. People who have lived here for decades, paid taxes, raised children, and worked jobs others wouldn’t take are now being handcuffed and processed for deportation.

• Are all employers being investigated or only those with vulnerable, foreign-born workforces?
• Are these raids really about law enforcement, or about political theater?
• Are they being used to justify deportations even when no criminal wrongdoing exists?

These are questions we must keep asking. Because for every person arrested in Georgia, there’s a family left behind wondering what happens next.

Why Subcontractors and Vendors Should Pay Attention

The Georgia raid didn’t just target Hyundai employees. It swept up subcontracted workers and vendors—people who may not even know who technically employed them.

That matters. Because ICE doesn’t care whether your badge says “Hyundai” or “ABC Janitorial Services.” If you’re on the property and in their database, you’re on their radar.

In Connecticut, this means anyone working on construction crews, landscaping companies, food delivery chains, or third-party manufacturing teams could be next.

• Does your employer know your immigration status?
• Do they have an I-9 form on file for you?
• Are you being paid with a W-2 or under the table?

These may seem like technicalities. But in the eyes of ICE, they’re not.

Is This Just About Jobs?

No. This is about deportation priorities. What begins as a workplace enforcement raid often leads to:

• Immigrants being detained at ICE processing centers
• Referrals to immigration court for removal proceedings
• Investigations into immigration fraud or unlawful entry
• Detention without bond or access to legal representation

In short, a workplace raid can be the start of deportation even if you have no criminal record and even if you’ve lived here for decades.

What You Can Do Right Now

At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we’ve represented hundreds of immigrants caught in surprise enforcement actions. And we’ve helped many stay in the U.S., reunite with their families, and pursue legal status.

If you are concerned, here are your next steps:

1. Schedule a legal consultation: Know your immigration status and what relief, if any, you may qualify for.
2. Get a legal representation notice on file: This ensures ICE or immigration court must contact your attorney.
3. Prepare emergency plans with your family: Have copies of your ID, immigration paperwork, and a trusted contact listed.
4. Know your employer’s policies: Find out if they have legal counsel and what their response plan is in case of a raid.
5. Understand your rights: Don’t sign anything without a lawyer. Don’t make statements you don’t understand.

Questions You Should Be Asking Your Attorney Today

• What is my current immigration status?
• Am I at risk of being detained in a worksite raid?
• If I’m arrested by ICE, how can I contact you?
• Do I qualify for any form of relief like cancellation of removal, asylum, or adjustment of status?
• What documents should I carry or keep copies of at home?
• Can I be deported to a third country instead of my home country?
• What if I’ve previously used a false Social Security number or name to work?

Don’t Wait for a Raid to Find Out What Your Rights Are

The Georgia ICE raid is not an isolated event and it’s a clear sign of what’s coming. Whether you’ve worked in factories, restaurants, construction sites, or any other industry, it’s time to ask yourself: Am I prepared if immigration enforcement actions happen where I work? Have I spoken to an attorney about my options? Do I understand my rights if questioned or detained? 

If you’re living and working in Connecticut, whether in Danbury, Waterbury, Norwalk, Hartford, or Bridgeport, don’t assume you’re safe just because you’ve never had issues before. You have rights, and there are legal pathways that may be available to protect you. But you need to act now. The Law Offices of James A. Welcome has spent over 20 years standing with immigrant workers and families. Let us help you understand where you stand before it’s too late. Call (203) 753-7300 or visit www.welcomelawfirm.com to schedule a confidential consultation today.