The Path to Residency: A Landscaper’s Journey from Arrest to Relief
In an unexpected turn of events, an immigration judge has put an end to the deportation proceedings against Narciso Barranco, a landscaper from Southern California. Arrested last year, Barranco’s case drew significant public attention due to his connections to three U.S. Marines, who are his sons. This decision now paves the way for Barranco to potentially become a legal permanent resident in the United States.
The arrest of Barranco was a highly publicized incident, taking place during a period of heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. Videos captured federal agents in a physical altercation with Barranco outside an IHOP in Santa Ana, where he was working.
Following his arrest, Barranco was detained in Los Angeles and faced deportation. However, he was subsequently released on a $3,000 bond and was required to wear an ankle monitor. In a recent ruling, Judge Kristin S. Piepmeier acknowledged Barranco’s status as a father of three U.S.-born military sons, qualifying him for legal status consideration.
Expressing his emotions in a Spanish-language phone interview, Barranco shared, “I feel happy. Thank God I don’t have that weight on top of me.” Despite this legal victory, he remains cautious and is largely staying home until his situation is fully resolved.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to challenge the judge’s decision, according to a report from the New York Times. Meanwhile, Barranco’s attorney, Lisa Ramirez, indicated that her client now feels a great sense of relief after the removal of his ankle monitor and the cessation of mandatory check-ins with immigration authorities.
Ramirez highlighted the traumatic nature of Barranco’s arrest, stating, “The aggressive nature of the apprehension, it was traumatic. Mr. Barranco has had zero criminal history. They came after him because he was a brown gardener in the streets of Santa Ana.”
To secure his future in the U.S., Barranco has applied for Parole in Place, a program aimed at protecting the parents of military personnel from deportation. If successful, this will grant him a work permit, though the process may take several months.
Amidst these developments, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the actions of the arresting agents, claiming they adhered to protocol. “The agents took appropriate action and followed their training to use the minimum amount of force necessary to resolve the situation in a manner that prioritizes the safety of the public and our officers,” McLaughlin stated.
In contrast, Barranco’s son, Alejandro, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, refuted the claims of aggression, emphasizing his father’s non-violent nature and lack of a criminal record. Alejandro, who participated in the 2021 evacuation of U.S. personnel and allies from Afghanistan, noted the stark differences between military conduct and the approach taken by the agents.
As Alejandro transitioned out of the Marine Corps in 2023, his two brothers continue to serve actively, further highlighting the family’s deep ties to military service.
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Associated Press writer Amy Taxin in Santa Ana, California, contributed.
