An Army veteran who served two tours in Iraq and received a Purple Heart was deported early Friday morning from a detention facility in Florence, Arizona. The deportation of Jose Barco, a Venezuelan-born veteran whose family fled Cuba, has left his family and legal team in distress, with no clear confirmation of his whereabouts after the move. The situation has sparked outrage, as Barco’s family remains in the dark about his location and fate.
Veteran’s Sudden Deportation
Jose Barco, 39, a former U.S. Army soldier who served two tours in Iraq, was deported at 4 a.m. on Friday from the immigration detention facility in Florence, Arizona. Arizona State Representative Raquel Terán confirmed the deportation to Fox 10 Phoenix, though Barco’s family was not informed in advance. His legal team, including volunteer Anna Stout, was also not notified about the deportation plans, leaving them in shock. The deportation occurred just months after Barco’s release from prison, where he served 15 years for a felony conviction.
Family in Distress Over Uncertainty
Barco’s family has been left without answers regarding his whereabouts. Despite official confirmation from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that he was deported to Nogales, Mexico, they have received no firsthand communication from him. His family stated that they had not heard from Jose, nor had they received any further details beyond ICE’s official statement. The lack of clarity has caused immense frustration for the family, who are left in a state of uncertainty.
Barco’s Military Service and Purple Heart
Jose Barco’s service to the United States is marked by his sacrifice in Iraq. Enlisting in the Army at just 17, he served two tours of duty, where he was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) and awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery and wounds sustained in combat. Barco was also honored with a Combat Infantry Badge for his service. His military career demonstrated a deep commitment to his country, making his deportation all the more controversial.
The Immigration Backstory
Barco’s deportation has its roots in a complex immigration history. Though Barco submitted an application for U.S. citizenship during his military service, the process was never completed, and his citizenship was never granted. His legal team claims that Barco’s former commander helped him fill out and submit the citizenship application, but it was not processed for reasons unknown. This gap in his immigration paperwork contributed to his eventual detention by ICE.
Barco’s Legal History and Conviction
Barco’s legal troubles stem from a 2009 conviction for attempted murder. He was sentenced to 52 years in prison after being found guilty of firing a gun at a house party in Colorado Springs, an act that severely injured a 19-year-old woman. At the time, Barco was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from his military service. He was released on parole in January 2023 after serving 15 years in prison for good behavior.
Deportation Order and Appeals Denied
After his parole, Barco was immediately detained by ICE and transferred to a detention center. In September 2023, an immigration judge denied Barco’s appeal for relief, including his request for asylum. The judge ordered Barco’s removal from the U.S. but did not specify a destination country. This led to his eventual deportation without prior notice to his family or legal team. The lack of clarity surrounding the destination and timing of his deportation has compounded the anguish of his loved ones.
Family’s Plea and Frustration
Barco’s family, particularly his father, has expressed deep sorrow over his removal. In an emotional statement, they emphasized the devastation of seeing Barco deported from the country he fought for and the uncertainty of where he would be sent. His legal team also voiced concerns about the treatment of Barco’s case, noting that most families know at least where their loved ones are being deported, but Barco’s family was kept in the dark throughout the process. The lack of communication has made a difficult situation even worse for those who care for him.