(NewsNation) — The Department of Homeland Security says a man who was seen being arrested by a Border Patrol agent was threatening law enforcement with a weedwacker.
Landscaper Narciso Barranco was arrested in Santa Ana, California. His sons say he had no criminal record and had applied for citizenship.
A video of the incident showed masked Border Patrol agents in tactical vests holding Barranco down and one of them hitting him repeatedly before he was pushed into the backseat of an SUV with a rod.
DHS responded to the video on X, calling the video slanted.
“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?” the agency said.
The post included a video that showed Barranco running while holding a weedwacker in the air and being pepper-sprayed by one of the agents. It does not appear to show Barranco assaulting any agents.