S. Korean president says companies would hesitate about U.S. investment after immigration raid

SEOUL, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said Thursday that domestic companies would hesitate about their U.S. investment after last week's immigration raid in the United States that led to the detention of hundreds of South Korean workers.

"As it stands, our companies will inevitably be very hesitant about direct U.S. investment," Lee told a televised press conference marking 100 days in his office, saying it could have a significant impact on the investment in the future.

Lee noted that negotiations between Seoul and Washington were underway for visa issuance relevant to the U.S. investment, adding that the United States would resolve it if there is its practical need.

In collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raided the construction site of an electric vehicle battery plant operated by a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution on Sept. 4.

Arrested were 475 individuals, including over 300 South Koreans who have since been held at the Folkston detention center in Georgia.■