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A politician named Tori Branum, who claimed to have reported to immigration authorities about Korean conglomerate factories in Georgia, is suffering from a ‘bombardment of messages.’ Initially, she posted on her social media (SNS) a picture with a rifle, saying, “I’m not afraid,” but as the criticism grew, she deleted all family photos. According to foreign media on the 7th, Branum stated in an interview with Rolling Stone that she reported illegal activities occurring at the construction site of the battery factory jointly built by Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She claimed she is being threatened for reporting to ICE. Branum told Rolling Stone, “My Facebook messages are filled with hate,” but added, “I’m fine.” She also posted a picture holding a modified rifle on SNS, stating, “I wonder what’s written in my inbox.” Branum also thanked on SNS, “All those who have poured hate into my voicemail, forced me to register for anti-racism courses, and threatened my life,” and added, “Remember that I am the one who trained Marines at the shooting range.” She continued, “You don’t scare me” and said, “In fact, those messages are really funny. Don’t waste your time.” However, the criticism against Branum has grown louder. Particularly on SNS, videos have been shared showing immigration authorities binding the hands of field staff with cable ties and detaining Koreans, which has drawn criticism that it could harm Korea-U.S. economic cooperation. Even Americans have criticized Branum, calling her a “racist” and questioning, “How stupid can you be to ruin a multi-billion dollar contract with Korea because of MAGA (Make America Great Again) hate?” The daughter, who stated that she manages Branum’s official account, said the attacks are continuing. She mentioned, “Some people have even found our family’s social media accounts to harass us. As a result, my mother had to delete all the photos and writings she proudly posted for years.” She also stated, “Targeting children or digging into personal social media accounts, and sending harassing messages is seriously crossing the line” and said, “All messages, comments, and instances of harassment are being documented, and if necessary, we will request help from authorities to protect our family.” Branum’s daughter continued, “Harassment cannot be tolerated simply because my mother is running for office and holds strong opinions that some may disagree with” and added, “While constructive dialogue is welcome, attacks aimed at minors will be firmly rejected.” Branum is registered as a Republican primary candidate for the 12th congressional district of Georgia in the U.S. House of Representatives elections scheduled for November 2026. Her sponsorship-related homepage indicates she is originally from Oklahoma, Georgia, and has served in the U.S. Marine Corps. She describes herself as “the candidate who most firmly upholds the Trump spirit” and has expressed extreme views related to illegal immigration enforcement and opposition to gun regulation. U.S. immigration authorities conducted an operation to detain illegal immigrants at the construction site of the Hyundai Motor Group-LG Energy Solution joint battery factory in Georgia on the 4th. A total of more than 300 individuals, including 47 members affiliated with LG Energy Solution (46 Korean nationals and 1 Indonesian national) and about 250 personnel from partner companies related to HL-GA battery, were detained. submitted by /u/coinfwip4 |
Politician Faces Backlash Over Reporting Hyundai-LG Factory to Immigration Authorities
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