The saga of a Los Angeles Army veteran who legally immigrated to the United States, was wounded in combat and self-deported to South korea earlier this year, became a flashpoint during a testy congressional hearing about the Trump administration’s immigration policy.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was grilled Thursday on Capitol Hill about military veterans deported during the immigration crackdown launched earlier this year, including in Los Angeles.

“Sir, we have not deported U.S. citizens or military veterans,” Noem responded when questioned by Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.).

[Image of Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) speaking while joined on a video call by a man who he said was a U.S. military veteran who self-deported to south Korea, during a hearing of the House Committee on Homeland Security.]

Army Veteran with Purple Heart Self-Deports to South Korea Facing Deportation

By David Zahniser

Sae Joon Park, an Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was awarded a purple Heart, chose to leave the United States rather than face deportation.Park, 36, self-deported to South Korea last week, a decision driven by the threat of being forcibly removed from the country he served.

Park’s case highlights the arduous situation faced by immigrant veterans who commit crimes, even minor ones, after thier service. He came to the U.S.with his family as a child, overstaying his visa. He enlisted in the Army in 2004, believing it would be a path to citizenship. After his honorable discharge, he faced legal troubles, including a conviction for a non-violent offense.

Immigration law makes it difficult for lawful permanent residents, and even naturalized citizens, to avoid deportation for certain crimes. Park’s attorneys argued that his service should have been a mitigating factor, but immigration officials where unwilling to grant him relief.

“It’s a tragic situation,” said his attorney, Jonathan Santos. “He served this country with honor,was injured in combat,and now he’s being forced to leave.”

Park’s story has drawn attention from veterans’ advocacy groups who argue for greater protections for immigrant service members. They point to the irony of deporting individuals who have demonstrated a willingness to risk their lives for the U.S.

In South Korea,Park faces an uncertain future. He is separated from his wife and children, who remain in the U.S. He hopes to one day return, but his legal options are limited. His case underscores the complex intersection of immigration law and military service, and the human cost of deportation.