Narciso Barranco, a 48-year-old undocumented landscaper in Orange County, California, found himself at the center of a national debate on immigration enforcement after being arrested by federal agents in June.
A long-time resident of the United States, Barranco raised three sons, all of whom chose to serve in the Marine Corps — a decision that instilled in them a sense of pride for their adopted country.
His arrest, characterized by shocking images that circulated on social media, became a focal point for discussions about immigration policy under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Caught off guard outside an IHOP in Santa Ana, California, Barranco was apprehended while working on a landscaping job. Video evidence showed federal agents using pepper spray and physical force during the arrest, leading to significant public backlash.
Within hours of his detainment, Barranco’s eldest son, Alejandro, took to the media, advocating for his father’s release.
The controversy grew as Alejandro shared their family’s story, highlighting how all three brothers had dedicated their lives to serve the military, thereby creating a narrative that attracted media attention and public sympathy.
After enduring 24 days in detention, Narciso Barranco was finally released on bond on July 15. However, his future remains uncertain as he faces ongoing immigration proceedings.
Alejandro Barranco, a Marine veteran who served as an engineer equipment mechanic, took on his father’s landscaping work during his father’s absence.
He expressed frustration with how immigration agents treated families trying to gain access to detained relatives, criticizing what he described as a lack of professionalism.
Immediately after his discharge from the Marines, Alejandro began supporting his father through this difficult ordeal, waiting outside detention centers and attending immigration court hearings.
With both Emanuel and José Luis, his younger brothers currently stationed at Camp Pendleton, Alejandro has become the family’s spokesperson during this challenging time.
The Barranco family, proud of their military lineage, was determined to push through the hardships. Alejandro remarked that their parents had instilled in them values of education and community service, and he feels saddened by the circumstances they now face.
The family learned of Narciso’s arrest while he was tending to grass, completely unaware of the impending raid.
The federal agents’ actions have been denounced by attorneys and community advocates, who argue that they constitute arbitrary policing methods, including racial profiling.
In a troubling twist, the Department of Homeland Security asserted that Barranco had attacked agents with his gardening tool during the arrest.
However, Alejandro provides a counter-narrative, stating that his father was taken by surprise and has not been charged with assaulting any federal officials.
During his time in custody, Narciso began displaying troubling health symptoms, including headaches and shoulder pain, which raised concerns about potential injuries sustained during the arrest.
Alejandro expressed his desire to read supportive messages from the public to his father, emphasizing the importance of community backing in this difficult time.
Despite being aware of the negative slant associated with his father’s case, Alejandro remains optimistic about Narciso’s potential for citizenship and reiterates his father’s hard work and determination.
He expressed disappointment that despite their family’s contributions to the nation through military service, they find themselves entangled in such a dire situation.
Narciso’s ordeal has been indicative of larger immigration issues in the United States, with reports indicating a significant rise in detainee numbers at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center since federal enforcement actions intensified under the previous administration.
Conditions in the detention facility, where Barranco was held, have faced criticism due to inadequate medical care and insufficient staffing, leading to troubling reports of detainees wearing the same clothes for extended periods.
Since his release, Narciso has applied for parole in place, which allows some undocumented immigrants to maintain their residency status while their immigration situation is clarified.
Although he is keen to return to work, Narciso is unable to do so legally amidst the ongoing immigration process, raising further concerns about the family’s financial stability.
To ease the distress, Alejandro mentioned that his father has begun learning English through online classes, reflecting a desire to integrate more fully into American society despite the challenges they are facing.
This traumatic episode has undoubtedly altered their family dynamic, yet it has also reinforced the bonds of support and resilience among them.
As the future remains hazy for Narciso Barranco, his family is committed to fighting for justice and advocating for others who may find themselves in similar predicaments.
The Barranco family’s journey is a testament to the complexities of immigration issues, particularly concerning those who have served or contributed positively to the fabric of American society.
image source from：latimes
