Los Angeles — An immigration judge has dismissed the deportation case against Narciso Barranco, a landscaper arrested in Southern California last year. Barranco, the father of three U.S. Marines, is now on a path toward legal permanent residency in the U.S.
A Case Drawing National Attention
The detention of Barranco, who came to the U.S. From Mexico in the 1990s and does not have legal status, occurred in June and quickly drew widespread attention. It coincided with increased scrutiny and protests related to immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Witnesses recorded the arrest in Santa Ana, Orange County, showing federal agents struggling with Barranco and pinning him to the ground outside an IHOP restaurant while he was clearing weeds. He was subsequently taken to a Los Angeles detention center and placed in deportation proceedings.
Judge’s Ruling and Potential Appeal
On January 28, Judge Kristin S. Piepmeier terminated Barranco’s deportation case, finding that he had provided evidence of being the father of three U.S.-born sons serving in the military, making him eligible to seek lawful status. The Department of Homeland Security has stated it will appeal the judge’s decision.
Barranco’s lawyer, Lisa Ramirez, stated her client feels “extreme relief” now that his ankle monitor has been removed and check-ins have been discontinued. Ramirez emphasized that Barranco has no criminal history and believes he was targeted due to his ethnicity and occupation.
Parole in Place Application
Barranco has applied for Parole in Place, a program designed to protect the parents of U.S. Military personnel from deportation and assist them in obtaining permanent residency. If approved, he would receive a work permit. His lawyer estimates the process could take six months or more.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin maintained the government’s position that Barranco refused commands and swung a weed trimmer at an agent. However, Barranco’s son, Alejandro, a Marine veteran, stated his father did not attack anyone and that the use of force was unnecessary.
Alejandro Barranco, who aided the U.S. Military’s evacuation from Afghanistan in 2021, left the Marine Corps in 2023. His two brothers are currently active-duty Marines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the dismissal of Narciso Barranco’s deportation case?
Judge Kristin S. Piepmeier terminated the deportation case after Barranco provided evidence that he is the father of three U.S.-born sons in the military, making him eligible to seek lawful status.
What is the Department of Homeland Security’s response to the judge’s decision?
The Department of Homeland Security has stated it will appeal the judge’s decision.
What is Parole in Place, and why has Narciso Barranco applied for it?
Parole in Place is a program that protects the parents of U.S. Military personnel from deportation and helps them obtain permanent residency. Barranco applied for it to secure a path toward legal status and a work permit.
As Narciso Barranco navigates the legal process and awaits the outcome of the potential appeal, what does this case suggest about the challenges faced by immigrant families with ties to U.S. Military service?
