Los Angeles — An immigration judge has dismissed the deportation case against Narciso Barranco, a Mexican landscaper and father of three U.S. Marines, in a ruling that has drawn national attention amid broader debates over immigration enforcement and military family protections.

Barranco, 49, was arrested by federal immigration agents in June 2025 while working a landscaping job outside an IHOP restaurant in Santa Ana, California. Witness videos of the arrest — which showed agents pinning him to the ground — circulated widely online and sparked protests from veterans’ groups and immigrant-rights advocates.

According to court records, Barranco entered the United States from Mexico in the 1990s and had lived in the country for decades without legal immigration status. He was placed in removal proceedings following his detention and later released on bond while his case moved through immigration court.

In a January 2026 decision, Immigration Judge Kristin S. Piepmeier terminated the deportation proceedings after finding that Barranco may qualify for legal protections due to his children’s military service. Two of his sons are active-duty Marines, while a third is a veteran.

The ruling allows Barranco to pursue “Parole in Place,” a federal program that can shield certain undocumented family members of U.S. military personnel from deportation while they seek lawful permanent residency. His legal team says he has already begun the application process, which could eventually grant him a work permit and a path to a green card.

Barranco expressed relief following the decision, saying the dismissal lifted a major burden from his family. However, the Department of Homeland Security indicated it plans to appeal the ruling, arguing that agents acted lawfully during the arrest and that immigration enforcement priorities remain unchanged.

The case has become emblematic of the tensions surrounding immigration crackdowns affecting military families. Advocates say it highlights the need for clearer protections, while federal officials maintain that enforcement actions must proceed regardless of family ties.

As appeals and residency proceedings continue, Barranco remains in the United States, awaiting a final determination of his legal status.