Sae Joon Park, a 55-year-old Army veteran from Van Nuys, self-deported to South Korea after being threatened with detention by federal immigration forces. Park, who legally immigrated from South Korea at age seven, fought in the military and sustained injuries during the invasion of Panama, resulting in PTSD and subsequent drug convictions. Despite his service, he faced deportation due to his past criminal record, exacerbated by recent immigration policies, leading to his ultimate decision to return to his homeland. His case underscores the complex intersection of military service and immigration enforcement.
It's unbelievable. I'm still in disbelief that this has actually happened. I know I made my mistakes ... but it's not like I was a violent criminal.
Park has an extensive criminal history and has been given a final removal order, with the option to self-deport.
Park, a legal immigrant, is targeted by federal authorities in President Trump's recent immigration raids that have prompted widespread protests in Los Angeles.
Federal authorities have arrested more than 1,600 immigrants for deportation in Southern California between June 6 and 22, according to DHS.
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