Fact Check: Narciso Barranco has no criminal record but was arrested by ICE.

Fact Check: "Narciso Barranco has no criminal record but was arrested by ICE."

What We Know

Narciso Barranco, a landscaper in Santa Ana, California, was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents while working outside an IHOP restaurant. The incident, which occurred on June 21, 2025, was captured on video and has since sparked significant public outrage due to the aggressive tactics used during his arrest. According to his son, Alejandro Barranco, Narciso is undocumented but has "no criminal record" (Fox LA, CNN). Alejandro further emphasized that his father has lived in the U.S. since the 1990s and has always been a responsible provider for his family, which includes three sons who serve or have served in the U.S. Marine Corps (El País).

Witnesses reported that Barranco panicked when approached by masked agents, leading to a chaotic scene where he attempted to flee and allegedly swung a weed whacker at the agents (Fox LA, NBC News). The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has claimed that Barranco resisted arrest and attempted to assault an agent, but his family maintains that he has no prior criminal history (CNN, NBC News).

Analysis

The claim that Narciso Barranco has no criminal record is supported by multiple sources, including statements from his son and corroborated by news reports. Alejandro Barranco's assertion that his father has "no criminal record" is consistent across various outlets (Fox LA, CNN). This claim is crucial in understanding the context of his arrest, as it highlights the disparity between his undocumented status and any criminal behavior.

The reliability of the sources reporting on this incident appears strong. Major news organizations like CNN and Fox LA have covered the event, providing detailed accounts and eyewitness testimonies. However, it is important to note that the DHS has a vested interest in portraying the actions of its agents as justified. Their statements regarding Barranco's alleged assault on an agent should be viewed with caution, as they may reflect an institutional bias aimed at defending the agency's actions (NBC News, El País).

Furthermore, the public response, including outrage from local officials and community members, suggests a significant concern regarding the methods used by ICE and CBP in immigration enforcement. This context adds weight to the claim that Barranco's arrest was not only a legal matter but also a deeply emotional and community-oriented issue.

Conclusion

The claim that Narciso Barranco has no criminal record but was arrested by ICE is True. Multiple credible sources confirm that he is undocumented but has not engaged in any criminal activity. The circumstances surrounding his arrest, including the aggressive tactics employed by federal agents, have raised serious questions about the appropriateness of such enforcement actions, especially against individuals with no prior criminal history.

Fact Check: Narciso Barranco has no criminal record but was arrested by ICE.