As the Trump administration steps up deportations of illegal immigrants with violent or criminal histories, one arrest in Santa Ana has ignited a media firestorm—and DHS officials say the public’s being misled.
Over the weekend, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested Narciso Barranco, an illegal alien allegedly caught wielding a weed whacker at officers while resisting arrest. A video of the encounter quickly went viral, especially after KTLA-TV characterized Barranco not as an assailant, but as a “father” and “victim” allegedly swept up by “masked men” in unmarked cars.
The video, shared widely on social media, shows part of the confrontation—but leaves out the beginning, where DHS says Barranco charged officers with the landscaping tool and ran through a busy intersection while refusing to comply.
A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson told Blaze News that on June 21, Barranco actively resisted arrest and used the weed whacker as a weapon—swinging it at an agent’s face. After a chase, he was finally subdued and taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“Reports that officers dislocated his shoulder are FALSE,” DHS said, addressing claims made on social media. “He was offered medical care, which he declined.”
What’s more, DHS hit back hard at KTLA’s coverage, calling it a “completely slanted portrayal.” The agency’s official account responded to the video with sharp criticism: “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?”
Violence on the Rise
This incident is part of a troubling trend. According to DHS, assaults on law enforcement officers during immigration operations have increased by 500%. Despite the rising hostility, Border Patrol and ICE say they are undeterred in their mission to enforce immigration laws and protect American communities.
The story has also highlighted the media’s double standard in framing law enforcement actions. While DHS stresses the threat agents faced, outlets like KTLA appear more concerned with the optics of arresting someone described as a “landscaper” and “hardworking father.”
A GoFundMe campaign for Barranco’s legal defense paints him as a victim of federal overreach, claiming he was “pepper sprayed and punched in the face multiple times.” The fundraiser has already surpassed $95,000, with liberal backers rallying behind the suspect despite federal claims of violent resistance.
Ongoing Debate
The case touches on broader questions about border enforcement, public safety, and how the media portrays confrontations involving illegal immigrants. With DHS stepping up deportation efforts under Trump, officials warn that such incidents will likely become more common—and potentially more dangerous.
For now, Barranco remains in ICE custody, and DHS insists it will continue doing its job—despite rising hostility, misleading narratives, and increasingly emboldened resistance.
“CBP will not be deterred,” the agency said. “We will continue enforcing the law and protecting American communities—even if the media refuses to tell the full story.”
