Judge Dismisses Deportation Case Against Father of 3 U.S. Marines

Narciso Barranco was arrested by federal agents while landscaping outside an Orange County restaurant.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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An immigration judge has dismissed the deportation case against Narciso Barranco, the undocumented father of three U.S. Marines who was arrested by federal agents while landscaping outside an IHOP restaurant in Santa Ana, California in June 2025. Witnesses recorded Barranco screaming in pain as four federal agents piled on top of him and punched him during the arrest. The Department of Homeland Security defended the agents' actions, claiming Barranco swung a weed whacker at an agent's face and refused to comply. Barranco's family said he was in the process of applying for parole in place, a program that allows the immediate relatives of military members to apply for legal status.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and the rights of undocumented individuals, especially those with close family ties to the U.S. military. It also raises questions about the use of force by federal agents and the treatment of immigrants without criminal records.

The details

Narciso Barranco, a 48-year-old undocumented immigrant, was arrested by federal immigration agents outside an IHOP restaurant in Santa Ana, California in June 2025. Witnesses recorded video of the agents piling on top of Barranco and punching him while he was restrained on the ground. Barranco's family said he has no criminal history and was in the process of applying for parole in place, a program that allows the immediate relatives of military members to apply for legal status. The Department of Homeland Security defended the agents' actions, claiming Barranco swung a weed whacker at an agent's face and refused to comply with commands.

  • Barranco was arrested by federal agents in June 2025.
  • Barranco was held in custody for three weeks before being fitted with an ankle monitor and released on bond.
  • The immigration judge dismissed Barranco's deportation case in February 2026, nearly eight months after his arrest.

The players

Narciso Barranco

A 48-year-old undocumented immigrant and father of three U.S. Marines who was arrested by federal agents while landscaping outside an IHOP restaurant in Santa Ana, California.

Lisa Ramirez

The family's attorney who stated that Barranco has had zero criminal history and has been a tax-paying resident raising three "incredible young men."

Tricia McLaughlin

The Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security who defended the agents' actions, claiming Barranco is "an illegal alien who tried to evade law enforcement" and that the agents "took appropriate action and followed their training to use the minimum amount of force necessary."

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Barranco has had zero criminal history. He's been a tax-paying resident of this country, raising three incredible young men.”

— Lisa Ramirez, Family Attorney (CBS News)

“We will appeal this lawless ruling. This activist judge's ruling does not change the fact that Narciso Barranco is an illegal alien.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (CBS News)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security has stated that they will appeal the immigration judge's ruling dismissing Barranco's deportation case. Barranco's family is hoping his application for parole in place will be approved before the federal government's appeal is heard.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and the rights of undocumented individuals, especially those with close family ties to the U.S. military. It raises questions about the use of force by federal agents and the treatment of immigrants without criminal records, as well as the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants seeking legal status through programs like parole in place.