Narcisco Barranco expressed his gratitude to those who have been fighting for his release.
Barranco walked down the steps of the Historic Orange County Courthouse surrounded by supporters. The 48-year-old was visibly emotional as he spoke out for the first time since he was released from an Adelanto detention facility.
He was detained on June 21 while at his landscaping job outside an IHOP. The encounter captured on video shows federal agents punching Barranco in the head and neck while face down.
"He was thrust into the spotlight because of the injustice he experienced despite the personal sacrifice he and his family made for our country," said O.C. Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento.
Barranco's story gained national attention as the father of three U.S. Marines. His family rallied the community, who turned out and demanded his release. His attorney, Lisa Ramirez, translated his words to supporters.
"I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the immense support my family and I received during the time I was away," Barranco said through the interpreter.
The weight of his ordeal while in detention overwhelmed him with emotion, not from himself but for two fathers he met in detention. One with a young daughter and the other with a disabled son.
"To the authorities, I respectfully ask please grant them bond. Don't take away the chance for these families to be reunited," Barranco said.
Barranco did not acknowledge the video or his detention beyond his fellow cellmates. Instead, he focused on giving thanks to his family and the community that stood with him.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart. May God bless you all. Thank you."
Barranco is out on $3,000 bail. He's due back in federal court in August, where he'll be given an update on his immigration status.