The Department of Homeland Security responded to the growing outcry with a statement from Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin.
According to McLaughlin, Border Patrol agents arrested Narciso after he allegedly “evaded law enforcement” and “swung a weed whacker at an agent’s face.”
The video, however, shows Narciso holding landscaping equipment, but, as reported by both CNN and the Associated Press, there is no clear evidence that he physically struck or endangered the agents with it.
DHS also claimed that Barranco “fled through a busy intersection” before again raising the tool in a “threatening manner.” He is now being held in ICE custody.
Alejandro strongly disputes that his father was aggressive. He believes Narciso panicked after being confronted by masked men with guns drawn. “He probably just got scared,” Alejandro said. “Imagine being approached by people with guns out, masked. It’s terrifying.”
Speaking to the Associated Press, Alejandro added, “The way they treated him was uncalled for. It looks like he’s putting up resistance on the ground, but that’s a natural human reaction when you’re being beaten—you’re going to try to protect yourself.”
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