Context:

Narciso Barranco, a Mexican immigrant and father of a Marine Corps veteran, was violently arrested by masked federal agents during an ICE raid at his landscaping job in Santa Ana, California. The incident, captured on video, shows Barranco being pinned to the ground and struck by agents wearing vests labeled 'US Border Patrol Police,' who claimed he resisted arrest and assaulted an officer. His son, Alejandro Barranco, expressed feelings of betrayal and highlighted his father's undocumented status despite having no criminal record and contributing to the community since the 1990s. The raid, part of a broader immigration crackdown, has instilled fear in immigrant communities, drawing criticism for the tactics used by federal agents, including wearing masks to conceal their identities. Local officials and advocates argue that such actions strip immigrants of their rights and create economic and social upheaval, calling for a more humane approach to immigration enforcement.

Dive Deeper:

• Narciso Barranco, who has lived in the U.S. since the 1990s without a criminal record, was arrested by federal agents during an ICE raid, sparking outrage from his family and community. The arrest video shows Barranco being restrained and hit by agents, who later accused him of resisting arrest and wielding a weed whacker as a weapon.

• Alejandro Barranco, a Marine Corps veteran, expressed feelings of betrayal over his father's treatment, noting that his family has served and contributed to the U.S. He emphasized his father's role as a provider and community member, and criticized the current immigration enforcement system.

• The raid is part of a larger pattern of ICE operations that have caused fear among immigrant workers, who face potential arrest while trying to earn a living. These raids, often involving masked agents, have been condemned for creating fear and chaos in communities and workplaces reliant on immigrant labor.

• Local leaders, like Santa Ana council member Johnathan Hernandez, argue that these raids violate the rights of hardworking individuals and families, portraying them as un-American despite their significant contributions to the country. Hernandez described the arrest as an abuse of power and criticized the practice of agents wearing masks.

• Critics of the federal agents' tactics, including politicians and advocacy groups, liken them to oppressive regimes, arguing that the anonymity provided by masks undermines accountability. The New York City Bar Association and others have called for transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement.

• A GoFundMe campaign was established to support Narciso Barranco's legal defense, reflecting the family's need for assistance in navigating the legal challenges posed by his detention. The case has brought attention to the broader issues faced by undocumented immigrants and their families amidst aggressive immigration policies.