A harrowing incident unfolded in Santa Ana, California, on June 21, leading to public outcry after a video surfaced online showing federal immigration agents violently apprehending Narciso Barranco, a father of three and undocumented immigrant.
The footage has since gone viral, triggering a wave of reactions and discussions about immigration enforcement practices.
In the video, Barranco appears to be restrained by three agents while being struck in the head and neck, leading observers to question whether he was indeed a threat or simply a victim of excessive force.
Alejandro Barranco, the man’s son and a 25-year-old U.S. Marine veteran, expressed his anger and disbelief at the treatment his father received, stating, “I couldn’t believe it; the way they treated him was so inhumane.”
The incident took place during a workplace raid, a common practice by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) and other federal agencies to round up undocumented immigrants.
Narciso Barranco has lived in the U.S. since the 1990s but does not possess legal residency papers.
Alejandro shared that his father has no criminal record and that the family was working on his immigration status through a program called parole in place, designed for immediate relatives of military members.
However, their efforts have been stymied by financial constraints and busy work schedules.
Following the disturbing video, a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed that Narciso had resisted arrest, stating he “ran from agents” and “swung a weed whacker” at officers.
But Alejandro vehemently disputed these claims, asserting that the behavior depicted in the video was a natural reflex after his father was sprayed with what he believed to have been mace or pepper spray.
“The movement you see from the weed whacker is just his body’s instinct reacting to that spray,” he emphasized.
The DHS’s characterization of the altercation has heightened tensions and ignited a debate about the appropriateness of the force used in such situations.
Alejandro described his father’s emotional state as fearful and confused following the incident, stating that Narciso was moved without explanation and was still grappling with the gravity of the situation.
When asked about the duration of his father’s residency in the United States, Alejandro remarked, “He’s been here since the ’90s, at least 30 years.”
Responding to critics who suggest that long-term residents like his father should seek legal status, Alejandro noted that each person’s circumstances are unique.
He remarked, “My dad worked Monday to Sunday, always striving to provide for us. His priorities were ensuring that we were fed, clothed, and sheltered.”
This strenuous effort to support his family, Alejandro believes, should not overshadow the positive contributions made by individuals like his father.
The family had previously prepared Narciso for the possibility that immigration enforcement could target him.
They advised him to stay calm, let agents identify themselves, and avoid confrontation.
However, nothing prepared them for the aggressive tactics the agents employed during the raid.
Alejandro expressed disappointment with the treatment his father received, hoping for professionalism from those in law enforcement.
He reflected on the duality of his family’s service to the nation, as both he and his brothers serve as Marines while facing the threat of deportation looming over their father.
When asked whether Alejandro or his brothers have grappled with the feelings of defending a country that jeopardizes their family members, he noted the complexities involved—emphasizing that service members often fight for the people next to them rather than the broader political landscape.
Alejandro expressed frustration with the approach of the current administration toward undocumented immigrants, suggesting that their portrayal of criminals in I.C.E. raids is misleading.
“I think the majority of people getting targeted are hardworking individuals who have lived here for decades and contributed to society, providing for their families and the country,” he argued.
The Barranco family now faces an uncertain future as they work to navigate the complexities of immigration law to seek Narciso’s eventual release.
“Our first priority is getting him out of there,” Alejandro stated, indicating that they will further pursue his father’s legal status once he is safely back at home with them.
The video recording of this incident not only sheds light on the sometimes brutal nature of immigration enforcement but also brings to attention the human stories behind the statistics—a reminder of the lives permanently altered by such actions.
As the family continues to fight for Narciso’s immediate safety and long-term residency, they represent countless other families navigating the complicated and often frightening landscape of immigration in America.
image source from：npr
