Latest news with #Noriega
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Purple Heart Army Veteran Forced To Self-Deport Under ICE Order
A Purple Heart Army veteran who said he took two bullets in the back while serving the U.S. during the invasion of Panama self-deported on Monday after receiving an order by immigration officials earlier this month. Sae Joon Park, 55, who has lived in the U.S. since age 7, reportedly returned to his birth country of South Korea after being given an order related to drug and bail offenses from more than 15 years ago that he says were tied to PTSD. 'I get it. I broke the law and everything, but I think this is a little severe what they're doing to me after I paid my dues, after I did my time for the offense that I did,' he told Hawaii News Now before leaving. 'I thought I was doing my part to do whatever I have to do to be a good citizen and do everything right to stay in this country.' Park confirmed his arrival in South Korea to HuffPost in a short message sent early Wednesday, local time. In it, he blamed President Donald Trump for his removal and said he 'will try and start a new life here.' 'My ICE officer told me last year, if Trump gets elected, there's a good chance I'll get deported,' he added. A spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement referred questions to the Department of Homeland Security, which did not immediately respond to HuffPost's request for comment Tuesday. Park, speaking with reporters before his deportation, said he secured legal permanent residency under a green card as a child and at 19 enlisted in the Army. It was while fighting in Panama during the Noriega war in 1989 that he was shot twice and awarded a Purple Heart, which is awarded to any service member who is wounded in defense of the nation. 'In my mind, I'm going, 'Oh my god, I'm shot in the back. I can't feel my legs. I must be paralyzed,'' he told Hawaii News Now, while showing the scars on his back and his medal. He was honorably discharged and returned to his then-home in Los Angeles where he turned to drugs as a coping mechanism while suffering from PTSD. 'I was suffering from PTSD severely,' he told NPR. 'From sleeping nightmares to like, having just fearful thoughts all the time. Couldn't watch horror movies, couldn't hear loud noises.' He said he was arrested while meeting up with a dealer and was ordered by a judge to get clean before his next court hearing, which he said he knew he couldn't do. 'So finally when the judge told me, 'Don't come back into my court with the dirty urine,' which I knew I would, I got scared and I jumped bail,' he told NPR. In addition to the possession of a controlled substance charge, he was consequently convicted in 2009 with bail jumping and served three years in prison. When he got out, he was detained by ICE agents and had his green card revoked. He was allowed to stay in the U.S. under deferred action, however, with an agreement that he would check in each year and stay clean and out of trouble, which he said he did. He moved to Hawaii to be closer to family and raised two children, now in their 20s, while also caring for his aging parents and aunts. 'These last 14 years have been great, like really proud of myself, proud of my kids, how I've been acting and how I've been living my life,' he told Hawaii News Now. His deferred action abruptly ended earlier this month, however. He was given an ankle monitor and three weeks to leave the U.S. or face forcible deportation. 'I was just very lucky to deport myself, remove myself, because they were ready to lock me up,' he told Honolulu station KITV. 'And that is so unfair, and so many people are getting locked up.' Park said he spent his last three weeks in the U.S. with his family, including his mother who's in her 80s and in the early stages of dementia. He doesn't expect to see her again. 'I won't be there for a funeral, like my daughter getting married, just there's a lot of things connected with it. I definitely know that,' he told the station.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Purple Heart Army Veteran Forced To Self-Deport Under ICE Order
A Purple Heart Army veteran who said he took two bullets in the back while serving the U.S. during the invasion of Panama self-deported on Monday after receiving an order by immigration officials earlier this month. Sae Joon Park, 55, who has lived in the U.S. since age 7, reportedly returned to his birth country of South Korea after being given an order related to drug and bail offenses from more than 15 years ago that he says were tied to PTSD. 'I get it. I broke the law and everything, but I think this is a little severe what they're doing to me after I paid my dues, after I did my time for the offense that I did,' he told Hawaii News Now before leaving. 'I thought I was doing my part to do whatever I have to do to be a good citizen and do everything right to stay in this country.' Park confirmed his arrival in South Korea to HuffPost in a short message sent early Wednesday, local time. In it, he blamed President Donald Trump for his removal and said he 'will try and start a new life here.' 'My ICE officer told me last year, if Trump gets elected, there's a good chance I'll get deported,' he added. A spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement referred questions to the Department of Homeland Security, which did not immediately respond to HuffPost's request for comment Tuesday. Park, speaking with reporters before his deportation, said he secured legal permanent residency under a green card as a child and at 19 enlisted in the Army. It was while fighting in Panama during the Noriega war in 1989 that he was shot twice and awarded a Purple Heart, which is awarded to any service member who is wounded in defense of the nation. 'In my mind, I'm going, 'Oh my god, I'm shot in the back. I can't feel my legs. I must be paralyzed,'' he told Hawaii News Now, while showing the scars on his back and his medal. He was honorably discharged and returned to his then-home in Los Angeles where he turned to drugs as a coping mechanism while suffering from PTSD. 'I was suffering from PTSD severely,' he told NPR. 'From sleeping nightmares to like, having just fearful thoughts all the time. Couldn't watch horror movies, couldn't hear loud noises.' He said he was arrested while meeting up with a dealer and was ordered by a judge to get clean before his next court hearing, which he said he knew he couldn't do. 'So finally when the judge told me, 'Don't come back into my court with the dirty urine,' which I knew I would, I got scared and I jumped bail,' he told NPR. In addition to the possession of a controlled substance charge, he was consequently convicted in 2009 with bail jumping and served three years in prison. When he got out, he was detained by ICE agents and had his green card revoked. He was allowed to stay in the U.S. under deferred action, however, with an agreement that he would check in each year and stay clean and out of trouble, which he said he did. He moved to Hawaii to be closer to family and raised two children, now in their 20s, while also caring for his aging parents and aunts. 'These last 14 years have been great, like really proud of myself, proud of my kids, how I've been acting and how I've been living my life,' he told Hawaii News Now. His deferred action abruptly ended earlier this month, however. He was given an ankle monitor and three weeks to leave the U.S. or face forcible deportation. 'I was just very lucky to deport myself, remove myself, because they were ready to lock me up,' he told Honolulu station KITV. 'And that is so unfair, and so many people are getting locked up.' Park said he spent his last three weeks in the U.S. with his family, including his mother who's in her 80s and in the early stages of dementia. He doesn't expect to see her again. 'I won't be there for a funeral, like my daughter getting married, just there's a lot of things connected with it. I definitely know that,' he told the station.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Steve Noriega Joins Exclusive Forbes Business Council
WILMINGTON, NC / / June 2, 2025 / Steve Noriega, Founder and CEO of Epic Brand, has officially joined the Forbes Business Council, an exclusive, invitation-only community for top entrepreneurs and business executives. The recognition highlights Noriega's outstanding accomplishments and positions him among the world's most influential business leaders. Photo Courtesy: Steve Noriega Noriega's acceptance into this prestigious organization comes as a result of his proven business acumen, leadership in the branding and marketing industry, and his commitment to making a meaningful impact. Membership is granted only to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional success in their respective fields, making Noriega's selection a significant honor. The Forbes Business Council provides members with invaluable opportunities for growth, networking, and knowledge sharing. As a member, Noriega will have access to a vast network of entrepreneurs and thought leaders, creating a platform to foster collaboration and innovative ideas. He will also be able to contribute articles with original insights on and participate in Expert Panels, where he will share his expertise alongside other industry leaders. The Council's mission is to offer entrepreneurs an exclusive space where they can exchange knowledge, strategies, and solutions that will help them grow both personally and professionally. "I'm thrilled to be a part of such an esteemed community of business leaders," said Noriega. "Joining the Forbes Business Council is not only a personal honor but an opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals who share a passion for innovation and leadership. It's a platform that will allow me to learn, contribute, and continue to grow as both a leader and an entrepreneur." The benefits of being a member of the Forbes Business Council extend beyond networking opportunities. Members receive access to cutting-edge industry insights, specialized marketing and branding resources, and concierge services. One of the key advantages is the EXEC program, which offers exclusive luxury business, travel, and lifestyle benefits. For Noriega, these resources will play a crucial role in his continued efforts to expand Epic Brand and make a lasting impact in the industry. Noriega's acceptance into the Forbes Business Council builds on his already impressive career achievements. In 2024, he was named to Top 100 Magazine's Top 40 Under 40, recognizing his innovation and leadership within the branding and marketing space. His entrepreneurial journey with Epic Brand has been marked by both commercial success and a strong commitment to giving back to the community. Through the company's philanthropic initiatives, Noriega ensures that a portion of the company's profits go toward charitable causes, further demonstrating his belief that business should be a force for good. Under Noriega's leadership, Epic Brand has established itself as a premier branding and marketing agency. The company specializes in creating purpose-driven, digitally native brands that resonate with today's values-driven consumers. Epic Brand's focus on ethical practices and community engagement sets it apart in an increasingly competitive industry. Noriega has made it clear that his goals for Epic Brand go beyond financial success; he is committed to using his platform to make a tangible difference in the world. In the coming years, Noriega plans to expand the company's charitable efforts, further solidifying his commitment to his faith-based philanthropy while continuing to drive business growth. The Forbes Business Council is a global collective of exceptional business owners and leaders, brought together by their shared commitment to excellence. The council offers its members access to valuable resources, connections, and opportunities that are designed to help them grow their businesses and expand their professional influence. Noriega's addition to this community is a testament to the strides he has made as an entrepreneur and the positive impact he has had on the branding and marketing industry. His work with Epic Brand continues to inspire others in the business world, and his membership in the Forbes Business Council opens the door to even greater opportunities for collaboration and growth. About Forbes Councils Forbes Councils is an exclusive community of invitation-only groups created in partnership with Forbes and the founders of the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC). Forbes Councils offers its members a powerful platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and accessing invaluable business insights. Members of the Council have access to resources that help them continue to grow and succeed, with opportunities to contribute to thought leadership and expert panels across various industries. To learn more about Forbes Councils, visit Media Contact Country: United StatesMedia Contact: Steve NoriegaCompany Name: Epic BrandEmail: steve@ (302) 265-0380Website: SOURCE: Epic Brand View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
New York Post
14-05-2025
- New York Post
Sinaloa cartel leaders charged with narco-terrorism after authorities seize nearly 2 tons of fentanyl
Two leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel were hit with narco-terrorism charges on Tuesday for their involvement in allegedly trafficking 'massive' amounts of drugs into the United States, according to federal officials. Pedro Inzunza Noriega and his son, Pedro Inzunza Coronel, were both named in an unsealed federal indictment on Tuesday and charged with narco-terrorism, material support of terrorism, drug trafficking and money laundering as members of the Beltran Leyva Organization (BLO), which is a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. Advertisement Five other BLO leaders were charged with drug trafficking and money laundering. The charges come after the Trump administration designated the Sinaloa Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on Feb. 20. Prosecutors alleged in court documents that Noriega works closely with his son to both produce and 'aggressively traffic' fentanyl into the United States. 5 Rainbow colored fentanyl pills and fentanyl bricks with 'Louis Vuitton' and 'Rolls Royce' stamps. DOJ Advertisement 5 1,500-kilogram fentanyl seizure associated with the charges. DOJ They allege that the two have led 'one of the largest and most sophisticated fentanyl production networks in the world.' Authorities said that the father and son have trafficked 'tens of thousands of kilograms of fentanyl' into the United States. 5 Pedro Inzunza Noriega is the alleged leader of the Beltrán Leyva organization. DOJ Advertisement According to federal prosecutors, Tuesday's indictment is the first of its kind from the Department of Justice's newly formed Narco-Terrorism Unit. On Dec. 3, 2024, Mexican law enforcement officials raided several locations in Sinaloa that are controlled and managed by the pair, seizing more than 1.65 tons of fentanyl. 5 1,680-kilogram cocaine seizure in Mexico City. DOJ Indictments are also pending against members of the BLO and Sinaloa Cartel, which include Fausto Isidro Meza Flores, Oscar Manuel Gastelum Iribe, Pedro Inzunza Noriega, Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar, Ismael Zambada Sicairos and Jose Gil Caro Quintero. Advertisement All individuals, as well as Noriega and Coronel, remain at-large. 5 This handout picture released on February 17, 2025, by the Mexican Army shows a Mexican soldier dressed in a biosecurity suit dismantling a drug production laboratory in Cosala, Sinaloa State, Mexico. MEXICAN ARMY/AFP via Getty Images Adam Gordon, US Attorney for the Southern District of California, had a message for members of the Sinaloa Cartel during a press conference on Tuesday. 'Let me be direct: To the leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, you are no longer the hunters. You are the hunted. You will be betrayed by your friends. You will be hounded by your enemies, and you will ultimately find yourself and your face here in a courtroom in the Southern District of California,' Gordon said.
Toronto Star
07-05-2025
- Health
- Toronto Star
Pramana Strengthens Scientific Leadership with Addition of Dr. Adrian Noriega to Advance Neurodegenerative Pipeline
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pramana Pharmaceuticals, a late-stage preclinical biopharmaceutical company developing a transformative small molecule platform targeting the intersection of metabolism, immunity, and neurodegeneration, today announced the appointment of Adrian Noriega, M.D., Ph.D., to its senior scientific advisory board. Dr. Noriega's expertise in Alzheimer's disease, vascular neurology, and biomarker-driven strategy marks a key milestone in Pramana's neurodegenerative expansion. With this appointment, Pramana further strengthens its world-class scientific team spanning metabolic disease, cardiovascular biology, and neurology. Together, this group is advancing a bold vision: to transform chronic disease treatment using a first-in-class, oral GPR119 agonists designed as 'smart molecules' for glycemic control and beyond.
