Did Tori Branum's Call to ICE Cost the state of Georgia Jobs?

Toni Branum's facebook picture

In September 2025, Republican political candidate Tori Branum stirred controversy by claiming on social media that she reported a Hyundai plant in Georgia to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This report triggered a significant ICE raid, escalating into an international incident.

Toni Branum Tiktok post

The Raid and Branum's Claim

The Raid: On September 4, 2025, ICE conducted its largest-ever worksite raid at the construction site of a new battery plant in Georgia, a collaboration between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution. Nearly 500 individuals were detained, including over 300 South Korean nationals.

Branum's Post: Republican congressional candidate Tori Branum took credit for the raid on Facebook, asserting, "I reported this site to ICE". She claimed her actions were due to the plant not prioritizing local Georgia workers.

Her Justification: In an interview with Rolling Stone, Branum stated, "This is what I voted for—to get rid of a lot of illegals".

Talking Through The Medias Podcast Discussion of Toni Braunum

Widespread Backlash

Branum's posts and subsequent interviews prompted widespread condemnation from various parties:

Online Harassment: Branum reported significant online backlash, including threats and harassment, for her involvement. She initially posted a picture of herself with a rifle in response, which she later removed.

Strain on US-South Korea Relations: The raid caused outrage in South Korea and strained diplomatic relations, especially since it occurred shortly after a meeting between President Trump and the South Korean president aimed at strengthening economic ties. South Korean officials expressed concern and regret over the operation, and some business figures criticized the action for risking foreign investment.

Economic Concerns: The action faced criticism for potentially undermining significant economic investments in Georgia. The battery plant is part of a $12.6 billion investment by Hyundai and LG, and critics argued that disrupting the project could damage Georgia's long-term economic prosperity.

"MAGA Karen" Moniker: The candidate was labeled "MAGA Karen" online and accused by some social media users of undermining former President Donald Trump's "America First" economic agenda.

A comment exchange on social media discusses the economic impact of a large investment in Georgia, highlighting the creation of thousands of jobs, followed by a humorous and possibly sarcastic reply.

Lobomago from Instagram: Girl, it is under construction. You just cost Georgia a 7.5 billion dollar investment, 8500 jobs when the facility was finished in 26 and 6500 auxiliary jobs created in supplier companies. "Good job"

ToriBranum response: Ice did they investing

Branum's Response

Despite widespread criticism, Branum has remained defiant:

She stated she is not intimidated by the online hate and claimed her actions were intended to protect American jobs.

She noted that her Georgia district is heavily Republican, suggesting the backlash would not affect her election chances.