The Santa Ana Police Department is urging residents to report any abandoned vehicles or property they suspect might belong to individuals detained by federal immigration officers. This call to action follows a controversial immigration arrest in the city that has sparked widespread attention. The department’s public service announcement, initially posted in Spanish and followed by an English video, encourages community members to contact their Communications Division if they notice any suspiciously abandoned belongings. The police promise to make reasonable efforts to contact family members or others who can retrieve the property.
The heightened immigration enforcement in Southern California has left many families seeking answers and assistance. One arrest that has particularly stirred public outrage is that of Narciso Barranco, a 48-year-old landscaper and father of three U.S. Marines. According to KTLA, Barranco was detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents while working outside an IHOP. A video of the arrest, widely shared on social media, shows masked agents tackling Barranco, striking him, and forcing him into an unmarked SUV. Barranco’s son, Alejandro, claims his father was targeted due to racial profiling. Immigration officers claim he attacked them with a piece of landscaping equipment.
In response to the arrest, hundreds gathered in Santa Ana for a candlelight vigil to support Barranco. The event attracted faith leaders, elected officials, and community members rallying behind the family. Congressman Lou Correa condemned the incident, stating it reflects a broader pattern of immigration enforcement that instills fear in Latino communities.
Santa Ana city officials are considering various measures in response to the federal immigration raids. As reported by Voice of OC, proposals include seeking records from the federal government about deportation sweeps, advocating for the removal of ICE from the city, and providing financial aid to families affected by the raids. The city council is also expected to discuss mandating visible identification for law enforcement officers and prohibiting them from wearing masks during interactions with residents.
The Santa Ana Police Department encourages residents to stay informed and report any abandoned property by contacting their Communications Division at (714) 245-8665.
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