Judge Dismisses Deportation Case for Mexican Father of 3 U.S. Marines

Narciso Barranco, a landscaper in Southern California, is now on a path toward legal permanent residency.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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An immigration judge has dismissed the deportation case against Narciso Barranco, a landscaper who was arrested in Southern California last year and is the father of three U.S. Marines. Barranco, who came to the U.S. from Mexico in the 1990s but does not have legal status, is now on a path toward legal permanent residency.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex and often controversial issues surrounding immigration enforcement, especially when it involves individuals with strong family ties to the U.S. military. The aggressive nature of Barranco's arrest and the dismissal of his deportation case have drawn scrutiny to the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration.

The details

Barranco was arrested in June 2025 outside an IHOP restaurant in Santa Ana, California, where he was clearing weeds. Federal agents struggled with him and pinned him to the ground. He was then taken to a Los Angeles detention center and placed in deportation proceedings. In July, he was released on a $3,000 bond and ordered to wear an ankle monitor. In a January 2026 order, an immigration judge dismissed the deportation case, stating that Barranco had provided evidence that he was the father of three U.S.-born sons in the military, making him eligible to seek lawful status.

  • Barranco was arrested in June 2025.
  • In July 2025, Barranco was released on bond and ordered to wear an ankle monitor.
  • On January 28, 2026, the immigration judge dismissed the deportation case.

The players

Narciso Barranco

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

Alejandro Barranco

Narciso Barranco's son, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who aided the U.S. military's evacuation of personnel and Afghan allies from Afghanistan in 2021.

Judge Kristin S. Piepmeier

The immigration judge who dismissed the deportation case against Narciso Barranco.

Lisa Ramirez

Narciso Barranco's lawyer.

Tricia McLaughlin

The Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary who reiterated the government's claims about Narciso Barranco's arrest.

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What they’re saying

“I feel happy. Thank God I don't have that weight on top of me.”

— Narciso Barranco

“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.”

— Lisa Ramirez, Narciso Barranco's lawyer

“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.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary

What’s next

If Narciso Barranco's Parole in Place petition is approved, he will receive a work permit, which could take six months or more.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and often controversial issues surrounding immigration enforcement, especially when it involves individuals with strong family ties to the U.S. military. The dismissal of Barranco's deportation case raises questions about the Trump administration's aggressive approach to immigration and the need for more nuanced policies that consider the unique circumstances of each case.