Washington: A U.S. lawmaker called on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Thursday to take a look at the case of an Army veteran of Korean descent who was forced to self-deport earlier this year, underscoring his sacrifice during the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989.
According to Yonhap News Agency, during a House hearing, Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI) brought up the story of Sae Joon Park, who reportedly self-deported to South Korea in June after having lived in the U.S. for nearly five decades. This occurred at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump's administration stepped up its policy to curb immigration.
Park is a veteran with a Purple Heart, a military decoration awarded to those wounded or killed while serving in the military. In 1989, he was wounded during his deployment to Panama. His deportation was in connection with charges related to drug possession and failure to appear in court from more than 15 years ago, according to NPR.
"Will you commit to at least looking at Mr. Park's case to see if you can help him find a pathway back to this country that he sacrificed so much for," Magaziner urged.
Magaziner's aide held up a tablet screen where Park appeared via a Zoom link, as the lawmaker explained Park's sacrifice and his struggle to manage post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Magaziner emphasized Park's service and the challenges he faced post-service, including struggles with PTSD and substance abuse.
"He is a U.S. Army combat veteran who was shot twice while serving our country in Panama in 1989. Like many veterans, he struggled with PTSD and substance abuse after service. He was arrested in the 1990s for some minor drug offenses. Nothing serious," Magaziner stated.
"He has sacrificed more for this country than most people ever have. Earlier this year, you deported him to Korea, a country he hasn't lived in since he was seven years old."
In response to the lawmaker's query about deportations of U.S. military veterans, Noem stated that her department has not deported U.S. citizens or military veterans. She expressed her gratitude for all who have served the country and assured that she would "absolutely" look into Park's case.
The Trump administration has been intensifying its immigration and border security policies, asserting that these measures are aimed at protecting American workers and ensuring citizens' safety.