1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

I am writing as a constituent and a concerned American to urge you to intervene on behalf of Jose Barco, a U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient who is currently facing deportation despite his honorable service and injuries sustained in combat. Mr. Barco came to the United States as a young child and served two tours in Iraq, during which he suffered a traumatic brain injury. Like many veterans returning from war, he faced significant mental health challenges. While he was convicted of a serious crime in 2008 and served his full sentence, he has now been detained by ICE and faces deportation to Venezuela—a country he hasn’t known since childhood, and which has already refused to accept him. This is not a case for immigration enforcement—it is a case for compassion and justice. Mr. Barco is a combat-injured veteran who needs access to mental health care, rehabilitation, and community reintegration, not indefinite detention and exile. I strongly believe we owe a debt to those who have served our country, even when they struggle after that service. I respectfully ask you to: • Advocate for Mr. Barco’s release from ICE custody • Support emergency legislative relief or private bill action • Encourage the Department of Homeland Security to exercise prosecutorial discretion in his case Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope you will take action to prevent further harm to this veteran.