An immigration judge has ordered that a United States Army veteran — a former soldier who suffered brain damage while serving in Afghanistan — be deported to Mexico.

Since the decision came down last week, many supporters of Miguel Perez Jr., including family and friends, have made their outrage public in his hometown of Chicago.

“My son fought for this country, not for Mexico ,” said Perez’s mother, Esperanza Medina.

“Now, he’s not a national?”

“Miguel is basically an American in every sense of the word,” said his lawyer, Chris Bergin.

The vet came to the U.S. legally at eight years of age.

After he left the service in 2010, Perez was convicted of a drug-related felony, and ever since has been targeted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

His family claims that due to the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that plagued him, work was hard to find, so he resorted to selling cocaine.

He served seven years in prison.

He’s currently in ICE custody.

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“What Miguel was charged and did a sentence for was a non-violent drug conviction. He never hurt anyone,” said Emma Lozano of the Lincoln United Methodist Church.

Perez is one of thousands of undocumented immigrant soldiers facing deportation. His lawyer and his family are pleading with U.S. Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin to introduce a bill that would make Perez a citizen.

Durbin didn’t commit to that Sunday, but noted the complexity of the situation.

“It’s a complicated case, we don’t want dangerous people to remain in this country, but we ought to have our eyes wide open,” Durbin said. “Here’s a man who risked his life for this country, maybe he can pay his price for what he’s done wrong here, and still get a chance to stay here.”

Both Perez’s children are U.S. citizens (an 18-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son).

His lawyer is in the process of appealing the decision. While the ultimate determination remains in limbo, Perez waits, unsure if his days are numbered in America.