During a recent congressional hearing, U.S. Congress members questioned Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about the deportation of military veterans, including Sae Joon Park, a Purple Heart recipient. Park, who legally immigrated to the United States from South Korea at the age of seven, was forced to self-deport earlier in the year after a series of legal and personal challenges.
The hearing, which took place on Capitol Hill, became particularly heated when U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner, a Democrat from Rhode Island, presented Park’s case. He emphasized Park’s sacrifices for the nation, stressing that he “sacrificed more for this country than most people ever have.” In response to Magaziner’s inquiries about Park’s deportation, Noem asserted, “Sir, we have not deported U.S. citizens or military veterans.”
As the discussion unfolded, an aide connected Park via Zoom from South Korea, drawing attention to his plight. Magaziner urged Noem to investigate Park’s situation, to which she replied that she would “absolutely look at his case.” Park, who watched the hearing from Seoul, expressed skepticism about whether any real action would follow, but felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the support he received.
“It was amazing,” Park stated, noting that friends informed him of his appearance on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where Kimmel highlighted the absurdity of deporting a veteran. “Is anyone OK with this? Seriously, all kidding aside, we deported a veteran with a Purple Heart?” Kimmel remarked, questioning the commitment of politicians to veteran welfare.
Park’s journey to this point is marked by significant life events. After growing up in Los Angeles’ Koreatown and the San Fernando Valley, he joined the Army following his graduation from Notre Dame High School in 1988. His service included deployment to Panama in 1989 during efforts to oust General Manuel Noriega, where he sustained combat injuries.
Following his military service, Park struggled with untreated PTSD and addiction, which led to legal troubles. A pivotal moment came during the 1992 Los Angeles riots, when his family’s business was destroyed, prompting a move to Hawaii for a fresh start. Despite attempts to build a stable life, including marriage and raising two children, Park faced ongoing battles with mental health issues and substance abuse.
In recent years, Park was under a removal order from immigration officials but was allowed to remain in the U.S. under the condition of regular check-ins, as his military background made him a low priority for deportation. However, during a check-in earlier this year, he was given the option to either be detained immediately or to self-deport after a three-week period. Feeling cornered, Park chose to leave voluntarily.
Since relocating back to South Korea, Park has faced challenges adjusting to life in a country he left decades ago. Despite initial difficulties, he reported some improvements in his mental state and language skills. “It hasn’t been easy. Of course, I miss home like crazy,” he commented.
One of his primary concerns upon leaving was the health of his 86-year-old mother, who suffers from dementia. Park found some solace in the fact that she remains unaware of his situation, allowing her not to worry about him. “In a weird way, it’s kind of good because she doesn’t have to worry about me all the time,” he reflected.
As Park waits to see if Noem will indeed review his case, the congressional hearing has brought renewed attention to the issues facing veterans, particularly those entangled in the complex immigration system. The juxtaposition of his service and the current immigration policies raises critical questions about how the nation treats those who have fought for its freedoms.
