AURORA, Colo. == A decision is expected soon in the deportation case of a Purple Heart recipient with a criminal past .

Jose Barco, 39, appeared in Aurora Immigration Court on Monday afternoon alongside his pro bono legal counsel, Kevin O'Connor. Immigration Judge Tyler Wood, who joined the hearing virtually, heard testimony from Barco, his wife, Tia, and his former combat medic.

"Jose was very optimistic towards the end of his hearing," O'Connor said afterwards. "Jose recognized that the court is finally, for once, taking his story into account before they make a decision. And I think today wasn't a goodbye, it was 'I'll see you later.'"

On the other side of the courtroom, an attorney for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) argued that Barco ought to be deported to Venezue

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