Tori Branum Faces Backlash After ICE Raid at Hyundai–LG Plant in Georgia

Tori Branum, a Republican candidate for Georgia’s 12th Congressional District, is under intense scrutiny after claiming she reported alleged undocumented workers at the Hyundai–LG battery plant in Ellabell, Georgia, to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Branum, a Marine Corps veteran and vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump’s policies, told Rolling Stone that she tipped off an ICE agent about hiring practices at the $7.6 billion facility currently under construction. “This is what I voted for — to get rid of a lot of illegals,” she said in the interview.

On September 4, ICE led what it described as the largest single-site enforcement operation in Homeland Security Investigations’ history. Federal agents arrested 475 workers, many of whom were South Korean nationals. The raid was part of an ongoing probe into alleged unlawful employment practices, though no criminal charges have been filed so far.

The sweep has sparked a diplomatic dispute. South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “concern and regret,” urging the United States to respect the economic activities of Korean companies and protect the rights of its citizens.

The ministry conveyed its stance to the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.

Branum’s involvement has triggered fierce backlash online and within Georgia. Critics argue her actions could jeopardize billions in foreign investment and harm local job growth. On Facebook, after she posted a photo holding an AR-15-style rifle, commenters accused her of endangering economic ties and acting out of political extremism. One asked, “How dumb do you have to be to ruin a multibillion-dollar contract with Korea because of white supremacy or MAGA hate?”

On Reddit forums, users noted that the raid could delay construction at the plant and weaken trust between U.S. and South Korean partners. Some accused Branum of grandstanding and questioned her ability to represent a district that relies heavily on economic growth from major industrial projects.

While Branum initially defended her actions, the wave of criticism prompted her to delete family photos from her social media accounts. She has not issued a formal statement addressing the backlash since the raid.

The ICE investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not yet clarified how the arrests will affect the plant’s operations or the broader U.S.–South Korea economic relationship.