[Exclusive] From 'slant-eye' mockery to forced drugging... The full story of the 'Georgia Detention Incident'

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"Forced medication and zero rights": Korean workers left unprotected

According to a government document titled 'Investigation Results and Measures for Citizens in Georgia, USA' obtained by the Korea Economic Daily, a significant number of Korean workers arrested and detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last September were not informed of the reasons for their arrest. Some workers suffered burns on their hands and feet from heated handcuffs, while others reported facing blatant racism, including witnessing 'slant-eye' gestures directed at them at the ICE detention facility in Folkston.

Relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice, along with the involved companies, conducted a survey of 316 out of the 317 Korean workers who were arrested while working at the Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution joint battery plant (HL-GA) in Georgia. According to the survey results (278 respondents), approximately 99.3% (276 people) said they were not notified of the reason for their arrest. 81.3% (226 people) stated they were given no opportunity to prove their legal stay status during the process. A significant number of respondents also reported unfair treatment, such as verbal abuse and threats (52.5%, 146 people), or physical injury caused by arrest tools (39.9%, 111 people). Some workers even testified to government authorities that they suffered burns on their wrists and ankles from handcuffs that had been heated up.

The treatment during the intake process and detention was also reportedly abysmal. 91.4% (254 people) responded that they were never informed of their rights as detainees or given facility guidelines. About 36% (100 people) said they experienced mockery for being Korean or Asian. It was also discovered that about seven Korean workers were administered injections or medication despite their refusal.

During the survey and subsequent individual interviews held in October for those who requested them, some Korean workers testified that they witnessed 'slant-eye' gestures intended to mock Asians in the facility. One male detainee described a situation where a female guard ordered him to come out naked while he was showering for a head count.

Ministry of Justice determines: "There is a high probability the U.S. failed to comply with legal procedures."

https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/015/0005235350