LOS ANGELES (AP) — An immigration judge has dismissed the deportation case against Narciso Barranco, a landscaper arrested in Southern California last year, which now enables him to pursue legal permanent residency in the U.S.
Barranco, who immigrated from Mexico in the 1990s and lacks legal status, first garnered attention after his detention in June, coinciding with the scrutiny of immigration policies under former President Donald Trump's administration. Witnesses captured the dramatic moment of his arrest outside an IHOP restaurant in Santa Ana, California, where he was working.
Following his arrest, Barranco spent time in a Los Angeles detention center before being released on a $3,000 bond and fitted with an ankle monitor.
Overall, Judge Kristin S. Piepmeier issued her ruling in late January, recognizing Barranco's status as the father of three U.S.-born sons who are military members, thus making him eligible for lawful residency.
“I feel happy,” Barranco expressed in a phone interview conducted in Spanish. “Thank God I don’t have that weight on top of me.” He added he would remain cautious and mostly stay at home until his legal documents are finalized.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced plans to appeal the judge’s ruling, arguing that Barranco had previously posed a danger during the arrest, which his lawyer disputed, stating he has no criminal history. Barranco’s lead attorney, Lisa Ramirez, emphasized the trauma of his apprehension and announced that they have applied for 'Parole in Place,' a program protecting military parents from deportation.
Ramirez noted that the path to a work permit could take six months or longer and reinforced Barranco’s commitment to his family and work despite the challenges posed by his status. His son, Alejandro, criticized the use of force during the arrest, emphasizing their family’s military background.
This case continues to spotlight the experiences of undocumented individuals and the broader repercussions of stringent immigration policies.
