The deportation to South Korea of Sae-Joon Park, a Korean American veteran who was wounded in combat and received a Purple Heart, was brought up at a House hearing, drawing significant attention.

On Thursday, the 11th, during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing, Representative Seth Magaziner (Democrat, Rhode Island) began his questioning of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen by asking, "How many American veterans have you deported?"

Secretary Nielsen replied, "We have not deported any American citizens or veterans."

Rep. Magaziner stated, "I believe you would agree that we owe everything to those who have worn our uniform and served our nation, especially those who have fought for us," and then requested Secretary Nielsen to address Sae-Joon Park via Zoom, display him on video, and express gratitude for his service.

Rep. Magaziner introduced Mr. Park as "a U.S. Army veteran who was shot twice while serving our country in Panama in 1989."

Mr. Park moved to the United States at the age of 7. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Army. In 1989, he was deployed to Panama, where he was injured, leading to an honorable discharge and the Purple Heart medal.

However, Rep. Magaziner did not mention that Mr. Park's permanent residency had already been revoked and that he was in a status of deferred deportation. He also omitted that Mr. Park's drug use had progressed beyond treatment levels into addiction.

According to a press release issued by Senator Mazie Hirono's (Democrat, Hawaii) office on August 2nd, Mr. Park subsequently suffered from undiagnosed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), fell into drug addiction, and was convicted for failing to post bail and absconding, leading to the cancellation of his permanent residency.

Sen. Hirono's office stated, "However, immigration authorities allowed Mr. Park to remain in the United States on the condition that he report to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) annually." The press release continued, "During his most recent report in June, an ICE officer informed Mr. Park that he would be detained if he did not leave the country voluntarily. He left behind his two children and ailing mother in Hawaii."

Danicole Lamos, Mr. Park's attorney, who was interviewed by ABC7 News at the time, said, "I think generally, crimes committed by immigrants in society are considered very serious crimes. However, even under immigration law, absconding without posting bail is considered an aggravated offense."

ABC7 News reported that Mr. Park considered it fortunate that he was able to leave voluntarily.

It is understood that Mr. Park left the country voluntarily after being warned of potential detention and deportation by immigration authorities. He is currently petitioning to be allowed to return to the United States after his situation gained media attention in the U.S. press.

Rep. Magaziner emphasized, "He (Mr. Park) has harmed no one but himself and has been sober from drugs and alcohol for 14 years. He is a veteran and a Purple Heart recipient. He has sacrificed more for this country than most people."

Rep. Magaziner pointed out to Secretary Nielsen, "You deported him to South Korea, a country he hasn't lived in since he was seven years old." He pressed, "Will you join me in expressing gratitude for Mr. Park's contributions to our country?"

Secretary Nielsen responded, "I am grateful to everyone who serves our country and abides by the law." However, Rep. Magaziner interrupted, asking, "Will you explain to Mr. Park why he was deported?" and "Can you promise to at least review Mr. Park's case to find a way for him to return to the country for which he sacrificed so much?"

In response, Secretary Nielsen stated, "I will certainly review his case."

Meanwhile, at the hearing that day, Representative Shri Thanedar (Democrat, Michigan) asked if Secretary Nielsen would resign if President Trump did not dismiss her. Rep. Thanedar, who entered the House in 2022, gained notoriety for introducing articles of impeachment against former President Donald Trump in April.

Secretary Nielsen replied, "I will take your request for my resignation as an expression of support for my work."

Conversely, Republican representatives largely supported Secretary Nielsen and urged the continuation of a large-scale deportation operation for undocumented immigrants, a top priority for former President Donald Trump.

Secretary Nielsen also stated, "We will never back down. We will not waver, and we will not give up."

By Hong Seong-gu, Chief Editor of NNP USA / Special Correspondent for this paper NNP info@newsandpost.com