Story highlights The man is identified as Arturo Pierre Martinez, 29, of El Paso, Texas 
 
 His mother says her son is bipolar and has been in a psychiatric hospital 
 
 In a statement, he says he crossed illegally into North Korea 
 
 He denounces the American political and economic system in the statement 
 
 An American who said he crossed illegally into North Korea denounced the United States political and economic system Sunday morning at a press conference in that country. 
 
 The man said he was Arturo Pierre Martinez, 29, a U.S. citizen raised in El Paso, Texas. 
 
 Martinez's mother, Patricia Eugenia Martinez of El Paso, said their son was bipolar and earlier tried to enter North Korea by swimming across a river, only to be stopped and shipped back to the United States, where he was placed in a California psychiatric hospital. 
 
 "Then he got out," she said. "He is very smart and he got the court to let him out and instead of coming home to us he bought a ticket and left for China. He took out a payday loan online and left for China." 
 
 Arturo Pierre Martinez, 29, delivers his statement at a press conference he said he requested. 
 
 She said the U.S. Embassy in Beijing is looking for him. 
 
 "My son is very intelligent," she said. "He said he wanted to protect Latinos and he worried about the world and about people. At 15 he obtained his computer certificate. He loves to read and write and work on the computer. He loved to help poor people. He is our only child." 
 
 Later she released a statement that said: "I'm glad and relieved that my son is safe. I am appreciative to the North Korean authorities for pardoning my son and releasing him. I look forward to spending Christmas with him after they release him." 
 
 When asked how she knew her son was being released, she said it was from reading the press conference statement. 
 
 But the legal status of Martinez in North Korea is unclear and it's unknown if he's free to leave the country. 
 
 In his 4,000-word statement, Martinez admitted committing a crime by illegally entering the country but said he was "extremely grateful for having been pardoned from the punishments given to violators of these laws, and for the most generous reception I have received." 
 
 He delivered his statement at a press conference he said he requested. Images released by North Korea showed him wearing a suit and sitting in a room facing a large group of people. 
 
 North Korea said in a separate statement that Martinez entered the country in November, two days after American diplomat James Clapper arrived. Clapper negotiated the release of Kenneth Bae and Matthew Todd Miller, the last two American citizens known to be held by North Korea. They arrived back in the United States on November 8. 
 
 Martinez said he first tried to cross over from South Korea's Han River and tried again from China's Yalu River in Dandong. 
 
 He went on to criticize American politicians and police as well as the electoral and prison systems. 
 
 "The illegal war carried out against the nation of Iraq serves as a perfect example of how the U.S. government acts much like a Mafia enterprise, but criminally plundering entire nations of their resources, strategic reserves and economies instead of smaller scale business and individuals, and does so without a code of ethics," he said. 
 
 He said the electoral system in the United States "is unfairly built for the benefit of the wealthy through the necessity of costly fundraising for political candidates seeking office. The democracy of this nation is an illusion and its representatives act as nothing more than power brokers for those who can offer them." 
 
 Of the wealthy people in the United States, he said, "These billionaires in power are nothing short of sociopathic megalomaniacs on the path to absolute world domination." 
 
 He also talked about unidentified flying objects, CIA involvement in the cocaine trade, "ultrasonic" devices that cause people to hear voices and experience bodily discomfort and how the Western news media unfairly portrayed North Korea. ||||| Arturo Pierre Martinez, 29, speaks at a press conference at the People’s Palace of Culture in Pyongyang, North Korea Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014. North Korea on Sunday presented to the media the American who... (Associated Press) 
 
 PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) — North Korea on Sunday presented to the media an American man who says he illegally crossed into the country but has not been put into custody and is seeking asylum in Venezuela. 
 
 Arturo Pierre Martinez, 29, of El Paso, Texas, said he entered North Korea by crossing the river border with China. Details of how and when he got into the country were not immediately clear. 
 
 In his comments to reporters, Martinez strongly criticized the U.S. for alleged human rights violations. 
 
 Martinez's mother, Patricia Eugenia Martinez of El Paso, told CNN that her son was bipolar and earlier had tried to enter North Korea by swimming across a river, but was stopped and shipped back to the United States, where he was placed in a California psychiatric hospital. 
 
 "Then he got out," she told the network. "He is very smart and he got the court to let him out, and instead of coming home to us he bought a ticket and left for China. He took out a payday loan online and left for China." 
 
 She said the U.S. Embassy in Beijing was looking for him. 
 
 Martinez made his comments at the People's Palace of Culture, which North Korean authorities have used in recent years for press conferences where they present North Korean defectors who have returned to North Korea, or on at least one occasion, a South Korean citizen who was detained in North Korea. It is also used for signing ceremonies between North Korea and other countries. 
 
 His comments came amid North Korea's own loud protests of a resolution in the United Nations that could open the door for its leaders to face charges of crimes against humanity for human rights violations, raising questions of whether Martinez was trotted out to the media for propaganda purposes. 
 
 North Korea recently released three Americans — two who had entered the country on tourist visas and Kenneth Bae, a Korean-American missionary who had been convicted of "anti-state" crimes. ||||| Story highlights Plane carrying men is scheduled to land at Washington base 
 
 Kenneth Bae family has "been waiting for and praying for this day for two years" 
 
 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper traveled to Pyongyang 
 
 North Korea claims it received apology from President Barack Obama 
 
 After months in detention, two Americans who had been held prisoner in North Korea soon will be back in the United States following a rare visit by a top U.S. official to the reclusive nation and a letter from President Barack Obama. 
 
 Kenneth Bae and Matthew Todd Miller, the last two Americans detained in North Korea, were due to arrive at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state about midnight ET (9 p.m. PT). 
 
 The pair were released after Director of National Intelligence James Clapper went to Pyongyang as an envoy of President Barack Obama, a senior State Department official told CNN. 
 
 Clapper delivered a letter from Obama, addressed to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, describing Clapper as "his personal envoy" to bring the Americans home, a senior administration official told CNN on Saturday. 
 
 The letter was "short and to the point," the official said. Clapper did not meet with Kim. 
 
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 Clapper had no guarantee he would bring the Americans home, a senior State Department official told CNN. 
 
 The North Korean government issued a statement about the release, saying it received an "earnest apology" from Obama for the men's actions. It also said the two were "sincerely repentant of their crimes and (were) behaving themselves while serving their terms." 
 
 Photos: Photos: Americans freed by North Korea Photos: Photos: Americans freed by North Korea Americans freed by North Korea – Kenneth Bae, who had been held in North Korea since 2012, greets his mother Myunghee Bae after arriving, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, after Bae and Matthew Todd Miller, who was held in North Korea since April, 2014, were freed during a top-secret mission by James Clapper, U.S. director of national intelligence. Hide Caption 1 of 9 Photos: Photos: Americans freed by North Korea Americans freed by North Korea – Matthew Miller, top, walks off the plane after arriving back in the United States. Hide Caption 2 of 9 Photos: Photos: Americans freed by North Korea Americans freed by North Korea – The plane carrying Kenneth Bae, Matthew Miller and James Clapper, U.S. director of national intelligence, lands at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Hide Caption 3 of 9 Photos: Photos: Americans freed by North Korea Americans released by North Korea – American Kenneth Bae is seen just before his release in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Saturday, November 8. Bae's sister, Terri Chung, told CNN that her family shed happy tears and spread the good news among relatives and friends. Relatives describe Bae as a devout Christian who arranged tours of North Korea. Hide Caption 4 of 9 Photos: Photos: Americans freed by North Korea Americans released by North Korea – Matthew Todd Miller, shown here shortly before his release, had been detained since April. He was convicted in September of committing "acts hostile" to North Korea. Hide Caption 5 of 9 Photos: Photos: Americans freed by North Korea Americans released by North Korea – U.S. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper is greeted by North Korean officials after arriving in Pyongyang on Friday, November 7. Hide Caption 6 of 9 Photos: Photos: Americans freed by North Korea Americans released by North Korea – James Clapper meets with North Korean officials on November 8, prior to the release of two Americans. Clapper delivered a letter from President Barack Obama, addressed to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Hide Caption 7 of 9 Photos: Photos: Americans freed by North Korea Americans released by North Korea – Bae and Miller on November 8 board the plane that will take them back to the United States. They were flown to a military base in Washington state. Hide Caption 8 of 9 Photos: Photos: Americans freed by North Korea Americans released by North Korea – The plane prepares to depart North Korea on November 8. Hide Caption 9 of 9 
 
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 According to the statement, the first chairman of North Korea's National Defense Commission ordered the release. The title is one of several top positions that Kim holds in the North Koran hierarchy. 
 
 China assisted in the monthslong process of arranging the release, the official said. 
 
 Clapper's visit came after North Korea contacted the U.S. government unexpectedly and urged the administration to send a Cabinet-level official to North Korea's capital to discuss the detained Americans, according to two sources close to the matter. 
 
 A U.S. official told CNN that Washington believes Pyongyang reached out to show it had the clout to get a Cabinet-level official to come and doing so would help solidify Kim's power. The request came about two weeks ago, the official said. 
 
 Clapper ended up canceling an event in New York on Wednesday as the trip was being arranged, an Obama administration official said. He went to Pyongyang "prepared to listen" on other issues, but that his sole focus was to bring Bae and Miller home, according to the same official. 
 
 In fact, an official in Clapper's office said the talks didn't even touch on North Korea's controversial nuclear program. And other U.S. officials said there was no "quid pro quo" for the men's release. 
 
 'We are filled with joy' 
 
 Clapper's office said the U.S. government is facilitating the two men's return home. Bae's family is to meet the plane but will not grant media interviews. 
 
 Clapper and a U.S. delegation also are on the flight. 
 
 Bae's sister, Terri Chung, told CNN that her family spent Saturday morning shedding happy tears and spreading the good news among relatives and friends. 
 
 "Words cannot adequately express our relief and gratitude that Kenneth is finally coming home!" the family added later in a full statement. "We have been waiting for and praying for this day for two years. This ordeal has been excruciating for the family, but we are filled with joy right now." 
 
 There was no immediate reaction from Miller's family. 
 
 Photos: The photos N. Korea banned Photos: The photos N. Korea banned Photos North Korea didn't want you to see – A stern looking North Korean guard by the Chinese border customs office. This image was deleted by North Korean officials. Hide Caption 1 of 17 Photos: The photos N. Korea banned Deleting the offensive photos – Writer Johan Nylander and his guide, Ko Chang Ho, watch as a North Korean guard deletes 90 photos deemed unacceptable. Nylander was able to recover the photos with the help of an IT specialist -- the images that follow are an edited selection. Hide Caption 2 of 17 Photos: The photos N. Korea banned Hello, Dear Leader – This propaganda monument of "Dear Leader" Kim Jong-Il by a countryside road, not far from the border to China, was deleted by authorities. North Korea required images of leaders be full body shots. Hide Caption 3 of 17 Photos: The photos N. Korea banned Waiting for a train – People standing by the train track, while a guard is monitoring the bike race. Hide Caption 4 of 17 Photos: The photos N. Korea banned Watching the race – In the city of Rason, people are leaning out of windows to get a glimpse of the Western cyclists. Hide Caption 5 of 17 Photos: The photos N. Korea banned Pedestrian peasants – A woman and a man walking by the side of the road lined with cornfields. Hide Caption 6 of 17 Photos: The photos N. Korea banned Village life – Villagers waving by the race path. Hide Caption 7 of 17 Photos: The photos N. Korea banned Heavy security – Guards and custom officials by the border to China. Hide Caption 8 of 17 Photos: The photos N. Korea banned Secret volleyball court? – By the border checkpoint next to the Tumen River, North Korean customs officials can play volleyball. Officials prohibited any photos of North Korean military bases. Hide Caption 9 of 17 Photos: The photos N. Korea banned Photos North Korea didn't want you to see – Peasants and villagers standing by the road to look at the Western cyclists Hide Caption 10 of 17 Photos: The photos N. Korea banned Keeping watch – Guard keeping an eye on the bikers next to a small village. Hide Caption 11 of 17 Photos: The photos N. Korea banned Photos North Korea didn't want you to see – Kids playing outside village houses. Hide Caption 12 of 17 Photos: The photos N. Korea banned Waiting for the cyclists – Spectators waiting for the bikers to reach the finish line. In the background the "Great" and "Dear Leaders" Kim Il Sung and his son, Kim Jong-Il. Hide Caption 13 of 17 Photos: The photos N. Korea banned Standing on bikes to see cyclists – Huge crowds -- some of whom standing on their own bikes -- as they await cyclists by the race finish line in Rason. Hide Caption 14 of 17 Photos: The photos N. Korea banned Document check – Custom official and tourist bureau guide checking foreigners' passports. Hide Caption 15 of 17 Photos: The photos N. Korea banned Water checkpoint – Guides from the local tourist bureau handing out water bottles to bikers, monitored by a guard in the background. Hide Caption 16 of 17 Photos: The photos N. Korea banned Writer and his minder – Journalist Johan Nylander and his North Korean guide, Ko Chang Ho. EDITOR'S NOTE: This image was not among those deleted by North Korean officials. Hide Caption 17 of 17 
 
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 Obama expressed appreciation for Clapper's efforts "on what was obviously a challenging mission" and happiness Bae and Miller will soon be home. 
 
 "It's a wonderful day for them and their families," the President said. 
 
 Another American let go weeks earlier 
 
 The Americans' departure from North Korea comes less than a month after North Korea released Jeffrey Fowle, an Ohio man who spent five months in detention. North Korean authorities took Fowle into custody after he left a Bible at a club in the northern part of the country. 
 
 Bae had been held since late 2012, and in April 2013 was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for "hostile acts" against the North Korean government. North Korea claimed that Bae was part of a Christian plot to overthrow the regime. 
 
 The Lynwood, Washington, resident operated a China-based company specializing in tours of North Korea, according to family members, who have described him as a devout Christian. 
 
 Earlier this year, Bae -- who was transferred to a hospital last year -- told a Swedish diplomat that he was worried about his health. 
 
 Miller had been detained since April. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency, he was convicted in September of committing "acts hostile" to North Korea and sentenced to six years of hard labor. He's been accused of tearing up his tourist visa and seeking asylum upon entry into North Korea. 
 
 In September, all three Americans then detained in North Korea -- Bae, Fowle and Miller -- talked with CNN in Pyongyang for about five minutes apiece. 
 
 All said they'd signed statements admitting their guilt, did not complain about their living conditions and asked for U.S. help. 
 
 The interviews -- which CNN learned about only after being shuttled on a van to a secret location -- were monitored and recorded by North Korean officials. 
 
 Talking Saturday, Fowle said that he'd been "upset" when he learned his fellow American detainees weren't going home with him last month. 
 
 "Kenneth Bae and Matthew Miller should have been released before I was," Fowle told CNN. "But I'm glad to hear that they're on their way home now." 
 
 In a statement, South Korea's Foreign Ministry welcomed the release of the two Americans and urged North Korea to release missionary Kim Jung-wook , who has been detained in the north on spying charges. It also asked North Korea to work with the south on humanitarian issues, such as family reunification. 
 
 Ex-diplomat: North Korea may want to thaw U.S. relations 
 
 CNN could not independently confirm details of the three Americans' detention or other facts about their cases, in part because of the secrecy that defines much of North Korea's dealings with the world. 
 
 That includes the Communist nation's much-maligned quest to develop nuclear weapons, something that has put it at odds with the United States, South Korea and many other countries around the world. North Korea has been subject to stringent international sanctions aimed at curbing its nuclear aspirations. 
 
 The State Department official said that Bae and Miller's release is "unrelated" to other U.S. issues involving North Korea. 
 
 The United States welcomes the move, but if North Korea wants a better relationship with the world it needs to "show it is serious and prepared to abide by its commitments, particularly concerning denuclearization," the official said. "And they must take significant steps to improve their human rights record." 
 
 Gordon Chang, the author of "Nuclear Showdown: North Korea Takes On the World," opines something must have changed in Pyongyang's philosophy to justify releasing three American detainees in less than a month. 
 
 "I think right now there is a charm offensive," Chang told CNN. 
 
 Bill Richardson, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations who tried to win Bae's release during a 2013 visit to North Korea, echoed that view, saying, "They are sending a message to the United States that 'we're ready to talk.'" 
 
 He added that no decision this big would have been made without the approval of Kim, who took over as North Korea's absolute leader following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il, in 2011. 
 
 "It appears that it is a good move by the North Koreans to restart the North Korean-American relationship, which has been in a really deep freeze," said Richardson. 
 
 Former basketball star Dennis Rodman, who has been criticized for his chumminess with North Korea's leader, said in statement Saturday that his trips to the country influenced Bae's release.
– North Korea has within its borders one Arturo Pierre Martinez, and both are currently making some noise, with the latter slamming the United States' human rights record at a press conference this morning. The 29-year-old is an American from El Paso, and he says he's in the country illegally, having crossed over via its border with China, reports the AP. Martinez says he's not being detained and that he's seeking asylum in Venezuela. Complicating matters is his apparent mental health status: His mother tells CNN that he is bipolar and that an earlier attempt to cross over into North Korea ended in Martinez being returned to the US and placed in a California psych ward. "Then he got out," she says. "He is very smart and he got the court to let him out and instead of coming home to us he bought a ticket and left for China. He took out a payday loan online and left for China." In a lengthy and rambling statement, Martinez says he's "extremely grateful for having been pardoned ... and for the most generous reception I have received." He goes on to address a laundry list of injustices, ranging from the American electoral system to its prison system and its billionaire "sociopathic megalomaniacs on the path to absolute world domination." Then, as CNN puts it: "He also talked about unidentified flying objects, CIA involvement in the cocaine trade, 'ultrasonic' devices that cause people to hear voices and experience bodily discomfort and how the Western news media unfairly portrayed North Korea." It's the latest salvo since the UN last month said Pyongyang's leaders should be prosecuted for crimes against humanity.