AURORA, Colo. — On Thursday, an unexpected hearing is scheduled in the deportation proceedings for Sgt. Jose Barco — a decorated veteran who was convicted of a violent crime in Southern Colorado.

In mid-August, a decision was anticipated in Barco's case following what was thought to be his last hearing in Aurora Immigration Court , but Judge Tyler Wood scheduled a master hearing for the afternoon of September 4 instead.

"We were waiting for the written decision from the last hearing, and never got it. And started to really, you know, sweat," Barco's former combat medic and friend, U.S. Army Ret. Sgt. Ryan Krebbs, said. "He's very depressed. He's surprised that he has another hearing. He doesn't understand why."

The master hearing is closed to the public.

"A master hearing is typicall

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