A video circulating on social media has sparked international outrage as it shows CBP agents detaining Narciso Barranco, a landscaper in Santa Ana, CA, while he was allegedly wielding a weed whacker. The incident, shared widely on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, has ignited a heated debate over the use of force by immigration agents and the treatment of undocumented individuals in the United States. Barranco, who is a husband and father of three sons, is reportedly a United States Marine, adding further weight to the public’s concern over the incident. The video, which has been viewed millions of times, depicts Barranco panicking and swinging a weed whacker at the officers before being tackled to the ground.
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has defended its actions, claiming that Barranco attempted to run away and then swung the weed whacker at an officer’s face. The agency published a statement on X, emphasizing that the officers acted in accordance with their training. However, this claim has been widely contested by critics and local officials, including the mayor of Santa Ana, Valerie Amezcua, who called the treatment of Barranco ‘unprofessional and just wrong.’ In a video shared on Instagram, Amezcua expressed her outrage at the way the officers handled the situation, stating that the incident appeared to be ‘horrendous.’
Fox News Digital reports that the video has drawn an immense amount of public attention, with some critics alleging that the media has mischaracterized the incident and that the DHS has been unfairly portrayed. Despite these claims, the video has generated widespread condemnation from both the public and political figures. The incident has also sparked a broader conversation about the enforcement tactics used by immigration agents and the ethical implications of dealing with undocumented individuals. In response to the situation, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Barranco, who is reported to be in a cell with about 70 people and only receiving water once a day, according to the campaign’s description.
Fox News Digital has sought comments from the campaign organizer, Jacqueline Vasquez, regarding the incident, but as of now, no response has been received. The controversy continues to fuel discussions about how immigration enforcement should be conducted in the United States, with many calling for more humane and transparent practices.