Today, 35 years ago, on January 3, 1990 (December 7, 1989), former Panama Defense Army commander Noriega was deported to the United States. A U.S. Army soldier stood in front of the picture of Noriega On January 3, 1990, former Panama Defense Army commander, President Noriega was invaded and deported to the United States by U.S. forces. On December 21, the United States invaded Panama because of the threat of violence by its foreigners, and Manuel-Noriega was deposed. Once the army loyal to Noriega launched a counterattack, the president himself fled into the courtyard of the Vatican embassy. Noriega had a close relationship with the Central Intelligence Agency, which was initially supported by the U.S. government, but had long lost the U.S. trust and support for him. President