Georgia Today Podcast Summary Episode: ICE Raids in NW Ga.; Rivian Plant Construction Plans; Religious Freedom Bill Signed Release Date: April 4, 2025 Host: Orlando Montoya

1. ICE Raids in Bartow County: Labor Trafficking Crackdown

Federal immigration authorities intensified their efforts in northwest Georgia's Bartow County, conducting raids targeting labor trafficking operations. A significant labor trafficking raid at a flooring manufacturer led to the charging of two men with felony labor trafficking, accused of fraud, coercion, and harassment. These illicit activities adversely affected at least 60 victims, many of whom were from China.

Key Details:

• Stephen Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Atlanta, clarified that the raids did not result in mass deportations. He stated at [01:43]: “There were no mass deportations. No one that was encountered at that site has been yet removed from the United States. Largely we were focused on foreign nationals that were being victimized by US Labor.”

The operations have sparked fear and confusion among migrant workers in the area. Over the past two weeks, multiple agencies have collaborated to strengthen enforcement on both immigration and criminal law violations.

2. Legislative Updates: Budget Approval and Religious Freedom Bill

On the final day of the 2025 legislative session, Georgia lawmakers made several pivotal decisions:

• Budget Approval: The Georgia House of Representatives and the Senate agreed on a $37 billion budget for fiscal year 2026, emphasizing improvements in the prison system, student mental health, and the Georgia Promise Scholarship program. Matt Hatchett, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, highlighted the budget's focus on public safety and education.

• Religious Freedom Bill: Governor Brian Kemp signed SB36, the Religious Restoration or Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), into law at [02:36]. Kemp asserted, “...the state is, quote, no place for hate.” The law prohibits government interference with an individual's exercise of religion. However, critics argue that SB36 may permit discrimination against marginalized groups under the guise of religious freedom.

Quotes:

• Brian Kemp at [02:36]: “Today I signed SB36, also known as the Religious Restoration or Religious Freedom Restoration Act, or RFRA, ensuring that once again at the state level that Georgians are protected, including Georgians of faith.”

The budget includes a new $250 state income tax credit for parents of children aged 5 and under, along with allocations for literacy initiatives and increasing prison staff. Governor Kemp retains the power to veto specific line items within the budget.

3. Rivian's Georgia Plant Construction Plans Resumed

Automaker Rivian has recommenced construction on its new factory near Social Circle, east of Atlanta. Amanda Andrews reported at [05:13] that construction is slated to begin in 2026, with the first vehicles expected in 2028. The plant will produce the R2 and R3 midsize SUV models, projecting the creation of 7,500 jobs by 2030.

Key Details:

• Peebles Squire, Rivian spokesperson, emphasized alignment with the Trump administration's focus on domestic manufacturing: “The narrative here is all really about on-shoring those jobs, bringing us manufacturing back, and we're certainly aligned with the administration on that. And ultimately in Georgia, that means 7,500 jobs by 2030 that people you know can be proud to have” [05:38].

Rivian has also opened a showroom in Alpharetta, allowing consumers to view vehicles firsthand.

4. Economic Impact of Tariffs on Georgia Businesses

The introduction of new tariffs by the Trump administration has introduced economic uncertainty, particularly affecting mergers and acquisitions within Georgia. Chris Fagan from Moore Colson highlighted the adverse effects of tariffs on business transactions at [06:02].

Key Points:

• Tariffs are disrupting Georgia exports, especially from sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.
• China, Georgia's third-largest export market, imposed a 34% retaliatory tariff on U.S. goods effective April 10.
• Stephen Schrank noted the challenges businesses face in transacting under these economic conditions: “...most of the work they're doing now, they've already quoted eight to ten months ago before these tariffs were even being discussed. Makes it hard for them to transact in an economy like this” [06:21].

5. Funding Cuts Impact Georgia Humanities

The Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency slashed the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) budget by 80%, leading to the immediate cancellation of all grants to Georgia Humanities. This organization, pivotal for over 50 years, supports cultural and educational programming, including the New Georgia Encyclopedia and National History Day. Officials warn that most programs will cease without this funding.

6. Health Initiative: Promoting Physical Activity Among Georgia Youth

With only 18% of Georgia children aged 6 to 17 meeting the recommended daily exercise requirements, a new program aims to address this issue. Ellen Eldredge reported on Health Empowers initiatives at [08:02], which challenges young Georgians to collectively achieve 25 million minutes of physical activity by 2025.

Quotes:

• Jennifer Owens, President and CEO of Health Empowers, stated at [08:26]: “Yes, moving your body is important. Yes, eating the right food is important. And also how does that connect to our brain and our emotions and the way we relate to one another. This could potentially be transformative in terms of how we raise up this next generation.”

The program is being implemented through schools, daycare centers, and community groups to foster lifelong healthy habits and improve emotional wellness.

7. Elections and Memorials: Public Service Commission Seats and Black Caddies Memorial

Georgia voters are set to choose from eight candidates to fill two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission. This body regulates utility charges, including those of Georgia Power. The elections cover Districts 2 and 3, encompassing areas from Atlanta's eastern suburbs to core metro counties like Fulton, DeKalb, and Clayton. The primary registration deadline is May 19, with early voting commencing May 27.

Additionally, a new memorial honoring generations of black caddies at Augusta National Golf Club was unveiled. Chase McGee covered this story at [10:34], highlighting a 25-foot-tall, 1,200-pound golf tee featuring the faces of local black caddies.

Quotes:

• Brian Kemp participated in the memorial unveiling, expressing gratitude: “I'm just privileged to be here with everybody... let them show you that, you know, you ain't forgotten” [11:03].

8. Featured Book: "The Trial of Mrs. Rhinelander" by Denny Brice

The podcast featured a discussion with author Denny Brice about his historical fiction novel, "The Trial of Mrs. Rhinelander". Set a century ago, the book delves into a sensational divorce case that ignited debates over race and class in the Roaring Twenties.

Key Insights:

• The story revolves around Alice Jones and Leonard Kip Rhinelander, highlighting an interracial marriage and the societal challenges they faced.
• Brice emphasizes the persistent relevance of media scrutiny and the nature of celebrity, drawing parallels between the 1920s and today.

Quotes:

• Denny Brice at [14:25]: “...she made such a crazy decision. But when she thought she was going to lose the case, she changed and said, and it was a headline story and the article said, all this while she's denying that she's Negro... I truly believe they were in love.”

Brice's research uncovered limited personal documentation, relying on public records like Alice's tombstone to piece together the narrative.

9. Sports Update: Atlanta Braves' Season Struggles

As spring unfolds, Atlanta sports fans are gearing up for the Braves' home opener against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park. Manager Brian Snitger is under pressure to turn around the team's performance after a historically poor start, including a recent loss where Atlanta squandered a 5-0 lead to lose 6-5 to the Dodgers and a 0-9 opening streak in 2016 that led to a last-place finish.

Conclusion This episode of Georgia Today provided comprehensive coverage of significant events impacting Georgia, from federal immigration actions and economic challenges to legislative milestones and cultural initiatives. Listeners were offered in-depth insights into how these developments shape the state's socio-economic landscape.

For more detailed stories and updates, visit gpb.org/news.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Brian Kemp at [02:36]: “Today I signed SB36, also known as the Religious Restoration or Religious Freedom Restoration Act, or RFRA, ensuring that once again at the state level that Georgians are protected, including Georgians of faith.”

• Stephen Schrank at [01:43]: “There were no mass deportations. No one that was encountered at that site has been yet removed from the United States. Largely we were focused on foreign nationals that were being victimized by US Labor.”

• Peebles Squire at [05:38]: “The narrative here is all really about on shoring those jobs, bringing us manufacturing back, and we're certainly aligned with the administration on that. And ultimately in Georgia, that means 7,500 jobs by 2030 that people you know can be proud to have.”

• Jennifer Owens at [08:26]: “Yes, moving your body is important. Yes, eating the right food is important. And also how does that connect to our brain and our emotions and the way we relate to one another. This could potentially be transformative in terms of how we raise up this next generation.”

• Brian Kemp at [11:03]: “I'm just privileged to be here with everybody... let them show you that, you know, you ain't forgotten.”