After Viral ICE Arrest, Marine Vet Reunites with Father Held in Detention Center

A dramatic arrest by ICE in California led to the release of Narciso Barranco, an undocumented father of three U.S. Marines, from federal custody on Tuesday.

The Adelanto Detention Center, a private facility located in Southern California, has released 48-year-old Barranco after posting a bond of $3,000. A viral video captured ICE officers aggressively hitting him during his arrest outside an IHOP, where he worked as a landscaper—footage shared by the Department of Homeland Security on social platforms.

The footage deeply affected Barranco's 25-year-old son, Alejandro, a Marine veteran who had served in Afghanistan during the U.S. withdrawal.

Alejandro, a Marine veteran who served in Afghanistan during the U.S. withdrawal, shared with Military.com that the circumstances of his injury and the degrading treatment he endured filled him with rage. This inspired me to share my thoughts.

For weeks, there has been significant pressure from lawmakers and veterans' organizations advocating for Barranco's release. The family began their journey at In-N-Out Burger. “He’s on the mend now,” Alejandro stated—a definite victory.

Barranco is reported to have no criminal history, as confirmed by family statements and public documentation. He reportedly assaulted DHS agents using a grass whacker. Alejandro alleges that the masked, plainclothes, armed agents used pepper spray and restrained his father without any prior cause.

Alejandro denied the allegations of assault made by DHS. No injuries have been confirmed at this time.

Concerns have been heightened regarding ICE detention and alleged mistreatment, particularly affecting families of active-duty service members. During his second term, President Donald Trump increased the quotas for ICE arrests to focus on deportations. Legal experts suggest that many similar detentions remain unreported.

The military, particularly the Marine Corps, has enhanced its collaboration with ICE. Marines have been involved in improving border security, supporting ICE operations across various states, and participating in collaborative gate access trials concerning undocumented immigrants. The program resulted in one arrest at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

Barrancos faces challenges as his coalition continues to expand. Alejandro's two younger brothers, both Marines, accompany him at Camp Pendleton. “It’s been challenging to come to terms with,” Alejandro said. “Our family supports organizations that caused pain to my father.”

He stated that the leadership of their armed forces is in favor, and a significant number of their higher-ups are immigrants. They are carrying out directives from higher authorities and cannot jeopardize their professional futures.

Narciso Barranco made his way from Mexico in the 1990s. “He immediately dove into the task,” Alejandro remarked. "He seemed oblivious to the visa process, perhaps because his attention was entirely devoted to supporting us."

Barranco reported a significant 14-hour water outage and flooded restrooms in Adelanto. His son remarked that the people he encountered in custody "are not deserving of their current situation."

Barranco's fundraising campaign has approached $230,000. Alejandro assumed control of his father's landscaping business to expand it and eventually retire.

The family sought parole-in-place, a provision allowing undocumented relatives of U.S. service members to remain, but red tape hindered their efforts. Alejandro: “It was challenging to stay on track during field operations or deployments.” The Marine Corps has directed recruiters to cease promotion of the program.

Lawyers are fast-tracking Narciso's request for parole-in-place. He requires court appearances to secure permanent legal status.

Next week, Alejandro is scheduled to address Congress regarding his father. He aims to help individuals understand the complex immigration system following the significant public reaction.

He went on to say, “If individuals witness the situation my father faced and feel compelled to assist others in similar circumstances, I am willing to share the insights I have gained.”

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