Landscaper's Deportation Case Dismissed; Path to Residency Opened

Sun Feb 15 2026 01:20:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Narciso Barranco, a father of three U.S. Marines, can now seek legal residency after an immigration judge dismissed his deportation case following a controversial arrest last year.

Narciso Barranco's deportation case has been dismissed by an immigration judge, allowing him to pursue legal residency in the U.S. Barranco, who was arrested amid a crackdown on immigration, is the father of three U.S. Marines. His case attracted attention after a traumatic arrest outside an IHOP in Southern California sparked protests. Although the Department of Homeland Security plans to appeal, Barranco has expressed relief as he moves forward with his residency application, aided by the Parole in Place program for military family members.

An immigration judge in California has dismissed the deportation case of Narciso Barranco, a landscaper and father of three U.S. Marines, allowing him to pursue a path to legal permanent residency in the United States. Barranco’s detention last June during a crackdown on immigration raised significant public concern and prompted protests.

Barranco’s lawyer, Lisa Ramirez, stated that her client felt ‘extreme relief’ now that his ankle monitor has been removed and his legal troubles have eased. She noted that Barranco has no criminal history and argued that the aggressive nature of his arrest was uncalled for. The decision came amid plans by the Department of Homeland Security to appeal the ruling.

In pursuit of legal residency, Barranco has applied for Parole in Place, a program designed to protect parents of U.S. military personnel from deportation. This process may take six months or more, but Barranco remains hopeful as he stabilizes his situation, expressing gratitude for the support from his family and lawyers.