Deportation Case Dismissed for Marine's Father: California Landscaper's Path to Residency

An immigration judge has terminated the deportation case against Narciso Barranco, a landscaper and father of three U.S. Marines, allowing him to seek legal permanent residency.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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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. after the judge found he 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.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex interplay between national security concerns, family values, and immigration policy. While the government maintains a strict stance on immigration enforcement, the judge's decision to terminate Barranco's deportation case based on his military family ties underscores the importance of considering the unique circumstances of immigrant families with connections to U.S. service members.

The details

Barranco, who came to the U.S. from Mexico in the 1990s and does not have legal status, was arrested in June 2025 in Santa Ana, Orange County. Federal agents were seen 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. On January 28, 2026, 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.

  • Barranco was arrested in June 2025.
  • Barranco was released on a $3,000 bond in July 2025 and ordered to wear an ankle monitor.
  • On January 28, 2026, Judge Kristin S. Piepmeier terminated Barranco's deportation case.

The players

Narciso Barranco

A landscaper who came to the U.S. from Mexico in the 1990s and does not have legal status. He is the father of three U.S. Marines.

Judge Kristin S. Piepmeier

The immigration judge who terminated Barranco's deportation case, finding that he provided evidence of being the father of three U.S.-born sons serving in the military, making him eligible to seek lawful status.

Department of Homeland Security

The government agency that has stated it will appeal the judge's decision to terminate Barranco's deportation case.

Lisa Ramirez

Barranco's lawyer, who stated her client feels 'extreme relief' now that his ankle monitor has been removed and check-ins have been discontinued.

Alejandro Barranco

Narciso Barranco's son, a Marine veteran who stated his father did not attack anyone and that the use of force was unnecessary during his arrest.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security has stated it will appeal the judge's decision to terminate Barranco's deportation case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges faced by immigrant families with ties to U.S. Military service, as the government's commitment to strict immigration enforcement can conflict with the desire to support military families. The judge's decision to terminate Barranco's deportation case based on his military family connections underscores the importance of considering the unique circumstances of such cases.