Mexican U.S. veteran self-deports and throws his medals before entering Mexico.

Yes, many non-citizen U.S. veterans have received removal (deportation) notices, with the majority being due to criminal convictions stemming from PTSD or substance abuse issues. While serving in the U.S. military does not automatically grant citizenship, non-citizen veterans can be deported after their service for violating immigration laws, primarily for "aggravated felonies" or other criminal offenses. Organizations like NAMVETS of America and the American Civil Liberties Union have highlighted the issue, noting that the exact number of deported veterans is difficult to track but that it likely impacts hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals. The story refers to Valente Valenzuela, a Vietnam veteran who self-deported to Mexico to live in exile after receiving a deportation notice from the U.S. government. In a display of profound disappointment and emotional turmoil, he threw his war medals into the Rio Grande before crossing the border. His story, alongside that of his brother Manuel, was featured in the PBS documentary "American Exile," which explores the plight of veterans facing deportation. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna5140