Father of Three Marines Violently Detained by Federal Agents

Introduction to the Incident

Video of a landscaper being taken down, pinned and repeatedly punched by masked federal agents in Orange County has gone viral online, and Alejandro Barranco finds it painful to watch. The Marine veteran says his father, Narciso Barranco, was working outside of a Santa Ana IHOP on Saturday when several masked men approached him. Frightened, he began to run away, his son said. Moments later, he was on the ground, held down by the men, who struck him.

Details of the Detainment

The younger Barranco told The Times on Sunday that his father was pepper sprayed and beaten, and that his shoulder was dislocated. After speaking with him Sunday at about 6 p.m., Barranco said his father had not received medical treatment, food or water after more than 24 hours in a detention facility in Los Angeles. “I don’t think it was just, I don’t think it was fair,” Barranco said of the use of force against his father. “I don’t think they need four 200 [pounds]-plus guys to hold down a 5-6 or 5-7, 150-pound guy.”

Official Response and Public Outrage

The Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not immediately return The Times’ request for comment. The video of the encounter between Barranco and immigration officials has circulated on social media, sparking outrage and the creation of a GoFundMe to help with legal representation that had generated more than $48,000 as of Sunday night.

The Victim’s Character and Family

The 48-year-old is a hardworking landscaper and a kind person, his son said. “If anyone ever needed any help, he was always there,” he said. “He’s very well known in our community.” From left, Emanuel, José Luis, Narciso and Alejandro Barranco. (Alejandro Barranco)

Impact on the Family and Community

On his first call to his son after the detainment, Barranco was less concerned with his injuries and more concerned with his job. He told him where his truck and equipment were and asked him to speak with his client and finish the job, the younger Barranco said. Alejandro Barranco, 25, is a veteran of the U.S. Marines and his two younger brothers, Emanuel and José Luis Barranco, are active-duty members.

Marine Family’s Perspective on Immigration and Service

With 700 Marines from Twentynine Palms deployed in Los Angeles in the wake of protests over recent immigration raids, Barranco said he understood that many of his fellow Marines are just following orders. “I just know that … they also have mixed feelings about everything going on,” Barranco said. “I know they love their country, they want to serve their country, but I’m also sure that they love their parents and they love their family members who are undocumented. I’m pretty sure we’re all pushing for the same thing,” he said, “which is a change in our system.”

Conclusion

The violent detainment of Narciso Barranco by federal agents has sparked widespread outrage and calls for reform. The incident highlights the complexities and challenges faced by families of mixed immigration status, particularly those with members serving in the military. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to the allegations of excessive force and the broader issues surrounding immigration enforcement.

FAQs

• Q: What happened to Narciso Barranco?
  A: Narciso Barranco, a 48-year-old landscaper, was detained by federal agents outside a Santa Ana IHOP. He was reportedly pepper-sprayed, beaten, and had his shoulder dislocated during the incident.
• Q: Why was Narciso Barranco detained?
  A: The reasons for his detention have not been fully disclosed by the authorities, but it is believed to be related to his immigration status.
• Q: How has the public responded to the incident?
  A: The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many calling for an investigation into the use of force by federal agents. A GoFundMe campaign has also been set up to help with legal representation for Barranco.
• Q: What is the background of Alejandro Barranco, Narciso’s son?
  A: Alejandro Barranco is a 25-year-old veteran of the U.S. Marines. His two younger brothers, Emanuel and José Luis Barranco, are active-duty members of the Marines.