Dem’s Veteran Gotcha Collapses as DHS Exposes Full Criminal Record [WATCH]

An exchange during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing on Thursday drew attention after Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-MA) questioned Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about the removal of a U.S. military veteran, prompting subsequent clarification from Department of Homeland Security officials regarding the individual’s immigration and criminal history, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

Secretary Noem testified before the committee alongside National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent and FBI National Security Branch Operations Director Michael Glasheen.

During his questioning, Magaziner asked Noem how many U.S. military veterans had been deported under the current administration.

When Noem responded that she had not deported any, Magaziner introduced an individual appearing remotely.

“We are joined on Zoom by a gentleman named Sae Joon Park. He is a United States combat veteran who was shot twice,” Magaziner said.

MAGAZINER: How many veterans have you deported?

NOEM: We haven’t deported veterans

MAGAZINER: We are now joined on Zoom by a combat veteran you deported to Korea pic.twitter.com/oz8Epvf4I4

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 11, 2025

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“Like many veterans, he struggled with PTSD, he was arrested in the 1990s for some minor drug offenses.”

Magaziner continued, “He never hurt anyone besides himself. He is a Purple Heart recipient; he has sacrificed more for this country than most people ever have. Earlier this year, you deported him to Korea, a country he has not lived in since he was seven.”

Magaziner then asked, “Will you join me in thanking Mr. Park for his service?”

Noem said she would thank Park for his service but reiterated that federal immigration laws must be enforced. The exchange concluded without further discussion of Park’s case during the hearing.

Following the hearing, additional information regarding Park’s immigration status and criminal record was cited by DHS officials.

Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that Park was not deported by President Trump or the Department of Homeland Security, but instead departed the United States voluntarily for South Korea.

Some pesky facts @SethMagaziner conveniently failed to mention:

Sae Joon Park’s extensive criminal history includes convictions for
-assault
-possessing, manufacturing, or selling a dangerous weapon
-carrying a loaded firearm in a public place
-criminal possession of a… https://t.co/E8Rp5flR3E

— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) December 11, 2025

According to DHS, Park had an extensive criminal history that was not referenced during Magaziner’s remarks.

The convictions cited include assault, possessing, manufacturing, or selling a dangerous weapon, carrying a loaded firearm in a public place, and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Federal records indicate Park’s green card was revoked, and he received a removal order in 2009 after serving three years in prison.

DHS officials also stated that Park had the opportunity to pursue U.S. citizenship but chose not to do so during his nearly five decades living in the United States.

This is why people hate congressional hearings and don’t trust the media.

ICE didn’t deport a veteran. Sae Joon Park self-deported to South Korea.

He never pursued citizenship during his decades here and his green card was revoked under Obama in 2009 due to drug possession. pic.twitter.com/Kd1MgSogtE

— Lydia Moynihan (@LJMoynihan) December 12, 2025

The department said Park ultimately decided to leave the country on his own, rather than being removed through a deportation order executed by immigration authorities this year.

The hearing took place amid broader congressional debate over immigration enforcement, removals, and how individual cases are characterized during oversight proceedings.

DHS officials emphasized that cases involving non-citizens with criminal convictions are governed by existing immigration law and prior court orders.

Noem did not comment further on Park’s case during the hearing beyond her response to Magaziner’s question.

The Department of Homeland Security has not indicated that any change in enforcement policy is under consideration based on the exchange.

The matter has since drawn attention online, with officials pointing to court records and immigration filings to clarify the timeline of Park’s removal order and departure from the United States.

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