Sae Joon Park

Noem Testifies No Veteran Deportations, Then A Deported War Hero Calls In

During a December 11th hearing, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced questioning regarding the deportation of U.S. military veterans. Representative Seth Magaziner specifically challenged Noem on the deportation of Sae Joon Park, a Purple Heart recipient, who was deported to Korea despite having served in the U.S. Army and struggling with PTSD. Magaziner accused Noem of lacking the ability to distinguish between deserving veterans and those who pose a threat. Noem stated she would review Park’s case but maintained that all laws must be enforced.

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Purple Heart Veteran Self-Deports After Decades in U.S., Faces Deportation

Sae Joon Park, a U.S. Army veteran who served in the invasion of Panama, self-deported to South Korea after nearly five decades in the U.S. His removal stemmed from drug-related charges and failure to appear in court, stemming from untreated PTSD from his time in combat. Despite being awarded a Purple Heart and honorably discharged, Park struggled with addiction and the legal system, ultimately receiving a removal order. Facing imminent detention and deportation, Park chose voluntary departure, leaving behind his family and the country he had served.

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