LOS ANGELES (AP) — An immigration judge has dismissed the deportation case against Narciso Barranco, a landscaper arrested in Southern California last year. As the father of three U.S. Marines, Barranco is now on a path toward legal permanent residency in the U.S.
Barranco, who entered the U.S. from Mexico in the 1990s without legal status, was detained during a crackdown on immigration by the Trump administration. His arrest drew attention and protests as witnesses shared videos depicting federal agents pinning him down outside an IHOP where he had been working.
Following his detention, Barranco was taken to a Los Angeles facility where he was held until July when he was released on bail, ordered to wear an ankle monitor.
Judge Kristin S. Piepmeier, in a January order, recognized Barranco’s military family connections, allowing him to seek lawful status. 'I feel happy,' he said in a phone interview. 'Thank God I don’t have that weight on top of me.' However, Barranco remains mostly at home until his legal paperwork is finalized.
While Barranco's attorney Lisa Ramirez commented on the traumatic nature of his apprehension, the Department of Homeland Security announced plans to appeal the dismissal of deportation proceedings.
Ramirez noted Barranco's application for Parole in Place, which could grant him protection from deportation. Meanwhile, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the agents' actions during the arrest, asserting they were following proper protocols. Barranco's son Alejandro, a Marine veteran, described his father's situation as unjust and emphasized his father's character and work ethic.
