California Judge Dismisses Deportation Case for Mexican Father of Three US Marines
Immigration Judge Dismisses Deportation Case of Mexican Father of Three U.S. Marines
LOS ANGELES – An immigration judge has dismissed the deportation case against Narciso Barranco, a 49-year-old landscaper and father of three U.S. Marines. The ruling allows Barranco, whose arrest last year drew national attention, to pursue legal permanent residency in the United States.
On January 28, Judge Kristin S. Piepmeier terminated the deportation proceedings, stating that Barranco’s status as a parent of military personnel qualifies him for lawful residency under current immigration policy. Barranco, originally from Mexico, arrived in the U.S. in the 1990s and was detained in June while working outside an IHOP in Santa Ana, California. Video footage of the arrest showed federal agents forcefully apprehending him, which heightened public scrutiny of the incident.
Since being released on a $3,000 bond in July, Barranco has been required to wear an ankle monitor, which has since been removed. His attorney, Lisa Ramirez, confirmed that Barranco has applied for "Parole in Place," a program designed to protect military families from deportation.
Despite the ruling in Barranco’s favor, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to appeal, citing concerns over the circumstances of his original arrest. The outcome of this appeal remains uncertain, and it is unclear how it will affect his current residency application process.
In a statement reflecting on the dismissal, Barranco expressed relief, saying, “I feel happy. Thank God I don’t have that weight on top of me.” Ramirez highlighted the traumatic nature of Barranco’s apprehension, commenting, “They came after him because he was a brown gardener in the streets of Santa Ana.”
In contrast, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the actions taken by federal agents, arguing that they acted appropriately and within the bounds of their training.
Looking ahead, Barranco is awaiting the decision on his Parole in Place petition. Should it be approved, he will gain access to a work permit and a clearer path to obtaining a green card.
