A man identified as Narciso Barranco was arrested on Saturday after allegedly assaulting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents with a weed whacker in Santa Ana, California, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The incident occurred while agents were conducting operations in the area and has since prompted a wave of anti-ICE protests across Los Angeles.
According to federal officials, Barranco, who was reportedly working as a landscaper at the time of the incident, charged ICE personnel with a gas-powered weed whacker.
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The agents were reportedly conducting immigration enforcement operations in the vicinity of Edinger Avenue and Ritchey Street in Santa Ana when the assault occurred.
A video of the incident, captured by DHS and later circulated online, shows a masked individual lunging at agents with the landscaping tool. DHS has confirmed that the individual in the video is Barranco.
KTLA, a local Los Angeles television outlet, reported on the incident but framed Barranco as the victim, describing the arrest as a “violent incident” and referring to ICE personnel as “alleged federal immigration officers.”
According to KTLA, Barranco was detained by “seven or more masked men wearing U.S. Border Patrol vests” who placed him into the back of an unmarked vehicle.
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KTLA’s report cited Barranco’s family, including his 25-year-old son, Alejandro Barranco, who said his father was pepper-sprayed and punched during the arrest.
The outlet also reported that Barranco is a father of three sons, all serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.
In a graphic video that has since gone viral on social media, about 7 or more masked men wearing U.S. Border Patrol vests are seen violently detaining a Santa Ana father before forcing him into the back of an unmarked car. Details: https://t.co/BgpTgNbNEW pic.twitter.com/UVn8lM2cf0
— KTLA (@KTLA) June 22, 2025
A GoFundMe page has been launched by Barranco’s family seeking donations for legal counsel.
The page reads, “He is a good, hard working man. He has raised his family here and has established himself here.”
The arrest has triggered protests by anti-ICE groups across parts of Southern California, as demonstrators gathered to denounce immigration enforcement actions in the region.
The situation mirrors a recent incident in which ICE agents were accused of a “hit-and-run” after apprehending a suspect who, according to DHS, had assaulted a federal agent during a separate protest-related incident.
In response to the media coverage and criticism, DHS issued a statement clarifying the circumstances of the Santa Ana arrest.
“He ASSAULTED federal law enforcement with a WEED WHACKER,” a DHS spokesperson said.
“Perhaps the mainstream media would like our officers to stand there and be mowed down instead of defending themselves? What a completely slanted portrayal of what actually happened.”
He ASSAULTED federal law enforcement with a WEED WHACKER. Perhaps the mainstream media would like our officers to stand there and be mowed down instead of defending themselves?
What a completely slanted portrayal of what actually happened. https://t.co/Zf10PgjEdY pic.twitter.com/dRYnLuPK8o
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 23, 2025
DHS has also stated that attacks on ICE personnel are rising sharply.
According to agency data released last week, assaults on federal immigration agents have increased by 500 percent in recent months.
“We’re seeing Governor Walz, AOC, even Hakeem Jeffries likening our law enforcement to the gestapo. It’s DISTURBING!” – @TriciaOhio
We are seeing now a 500% increase in violence and threats against ICE agents thanks to elected Democrats’ rhetoric. pic.twitter.com/39KDr5bCdJ
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 20, 2025
Officials attribute the increase in part to hostile rhetoric and what they describe as misrepresentation of law enforcement actions by media outlets.
As of Monday morning, DHS confirmed that Barranco remains in federal custody and faces potential charges related to the assault of federal officers.
The investigation is ongoing.
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