Judge Dismisses Deportation Case Against Father of Marines
Barranco Eligible for Legal Permanent Residency Amid DHS Appeal
An immigration judge has dismissed the deportation case against Narciso Barranco, a landscaper arrested in Southern California last year. Barranco, father of three U.S. Marines, is now eligible to seek legal permanent residency.
Barranco, who arrived in the U.S. from Mexico in the 1990s without legal status, was detained in June. His detention garnered attention amid increased scrutiny of immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
Details of Detention
Videos of the arrest in Santa Ana, Orange County, showed federal agents restraining Barranco outside a restaurant where he was working. Barranco was subsequently detained at a Los Angeles center and faced deportation proceedings. He was released in July on a $3,000 bond with an order to wear an ankle monitor.
The Judge's Ruling
On January 28, Judge Kristin S. Piepmeier issued an order terminating the deportation case. Judge Piepmeier stated that Barranco, 49, provided evidence confirming his paternity of three U.S.-born sons serving in the military, which makes him eligible for lawful status.
Barranco expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating he no longer feels burdened by the case. He indicated he is limiting his public appearances until his legal paperwork is finalized.
DHS Intends to Appeal
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its intent to appeal the judge's decision. The New York Times initially reported this development.
Barranco's Legal Team Responds
Barranco's lawyer, Lisa Ramirez, stated that her client experienced relief after immigration officers removed his ankle monitor and ended his check-ins. Ramirez described the apprehension as traumatic and noted Barranco's lack of criminal history. She suggested his ethnicity and occupation were factors in his apprehension.
Ramirez confirmed Barranco applied for Parole in Place, a program designed to protect parents of U.S. military personnel from deportation and aid in obtaining permanent residency. Approval of this petition would grant Barranco a work permit, with the process estimated to take six months or longer.
Conflicting Accounts of Arrest
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin reiterated previous government statements asserting Barranco did not comply with commands and swung a weed trimmer at an agent. McLaughlin stated that agents used appropriate action and followed training to apply minimum force for public and officer safety.
In June, Barranco's son, Alejandro Barranco, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, stated his father did not attack anyone, had no criminal record, and was hardworking. He characterized the force used as unnecessary and inconsistent with military training. Alejandro Barranco assisted in the U.S. military’s 2021 evacuation of personnel and Afghan allies from Afghanistan.
Family's Military Service
Alejandro Barranco left the Marine Corps in 2023. His two brothers remain active-duty Marines.