The workers, whose detention in a workplace immigration sweep set off outrage in South Korea, expressed both relief and anger.

It is unclear when the South Korean detainees will be repatriated. They were previously scheduled to depart the United States on Wednesday.

President Lee Jae Myung made the comments as hundreds of South Korean workers swept in an immigration raid were expected to fly home on Thursday.

Images of arrested workers in handcuffs and chains have caused outrage over what many see as a betrayal of an ally.

The workers, whose detention in a workplace immigration sweep set off outrage in South Korea, expressed both relief and anger.