In a spectacular backfire that exposed the deceitful tactics of the Democrat Party, Representative Seth Magaziner (D-MA) attempted to ambush and shame Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a congressional hearing—only to have his entire narrative unravel when the facts about his chosen “poster child” were revealed. Magaziner’s stunt, a classic example of liberal emotional manipulation over substance, was designed to paint the Trump administration’s lawful immigration enforcement as cruel and heartless. Instead, it proved the absolute necessity of that enforcement and the chronic dishonesty of its opponents.
The setup was a transparent political theater. During the hearing, Magaziner first demanded to know how many U.S. military veterans Secretary Noem had deported. When she correctly stated she had not deported any, he proceeded with his planned ambush. “We are joined on Zoom by a gentleman named Sae Joon Park. He is a United States combat veteran who was shot twice,” Magaziner announced, painting a picture of an innocent victim. “Like many veterans, he struggled with PTSD, he was arrested in the 1990s for some minor drug offenses.” He dramatically embellished Park’s service, claiming, “He never hurt anyone besides himself. He is a Purple Heart recipient; he has sacrificed more for this country than most people ever have.” Magaziner then delivered his intended knockout blow, falsely asserting, “Earlier this year, you deported him to Korea, a country he has not lived in since he was seven,” and asked Noem to thank him for his service.
Secretary Noem, demonstrating the poise and commitment to the law that defines the Trump administration, politely acknowledged the veteran’s service but stood firm on the principle of law enforcement. This refusal to play along with Magaziner’s emotional blackmail visibly displeased him. However, the congressman’s displeasure would soon turn to embarrassment as the truth, diligently uncovered by conservative researchers and officials, obliterated his narrative. The central claim of a cruel deportation was a complete fabrication. “The truth is that Trump had nothing to do with sending Park back; he decided to leave for South Korea on his own.” This single fact transformed the entire episode from a story of administration persecution into one of an individual’s personal choice, destroying the foundation of Magaziner’s argument.
🚨 BREAKING: Democrats CAUGHT in massive fake news operation in DHS Sec. Kristi Noem hearing – lying that President Trump deported a Veteran to South Korea
Rep. Magaziner tried a "gotcha": "We are now joined on Zoom by a veteran YOU deported."
HE SELF-DEPORTED.
Sae Joon Park… pic.twitter.com/oWruA7mTS9
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 11, 2025
The facts exposed an even more damning reality that Magaziner had deliberately concealed to manipulate the committee and the public. As Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin revealed, Park had an extensive and serious criminal history that went far beyond “minor drug offenses.” His convictions included assault, possessing, manufacturing, or selling a dangerous weapon, carrying a loaded firearm in a public place, and criminal possession of a controlled substance. This is not the profile of a harmless veteran; this is the record of a repeat offender. Furthermore, Park’s green card was revoked, and he was given a removal order in 2009 after serving three years in prison. He had spent nearly five decades in the United States with the opportunity to pursue citizenship but decided never to do so. Magaziner’s portrayal was not just incomplete; it was a deliberate fraud, omitting the violent crimes and legal history that fully justified immigration proceedings.
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
This failed ambush is a microcosm of the broader debate on immigration. The left, represented by figures like Magaziner, consistently seeks to bypass laws and sober judgment with curated sob stories, relying on emotional appeals and omitting crucial facts to paint enforcement as immoral. The Trump administration, represented by Secretary Noem, stands on the side of the law, public safety, and truth. This episode proves that when the full story is told, the administration’s position is not only justified but essential. It exposes the Democrat strategy for what it is: a cynical attempt to use selectively edited human interest stories to undermine the rule of law and the security of the nation, a strategy that crumbles instantly under the weight of reality.
h/t: Steadfast and Loyal
