The US is way behind in battery technology. This was a badly needed technology transfer into the US. And now it's broken, for at least six months.
“Other attorneys and I are hearing from companies in Asia and Europe who say, ‘Maybe we should hold off on big investments in the U.S. for at least three years.’”
With the tariffs it's already going to be hard to get the equipment you need into the US without spending a significant amount of money. But now you run the risk of the US arresting and deporting all your skilled workers setting up and managing that factory? No thank you.
Absolutely braindead move.
> According to LG Energy Solution, construction at the plant will remain on hold until the first half of 2026, reported WJCL, delaying by several months when U.S. workers can begin jobs at the facility.
ICE took away the workers that were delivering and installing equipment, which introduced delays into the construction process.
The government of South Korea is forming a "task force" with the US embassy in Seoul to try to get visa procedures fixed so this doesn't happen again. "Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said the body will be led by director-level officials, emphasizing that its purpose is to facilitate practical consultations rather than political declarations." The view from the Korean side is worth reading. [1] This may reduce Korean investment in the US.[2]
[1] https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/foreignaffairs/20250916/korea-u...
[2] https://carnegieendowment.org/emissary/2025/09/south-korea-v...
[1] https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-09-16/busines...