Marine veteran says his father is traumatized after violent immigration arrest in Santa Ana

WASHINGTON (KABC) -- A Marine veteran whose father was forcibly detained by federal agents in Santa Ana told Congress Tuesday that his father is "deeply devoted to this country" and is traumatized by what happened.

"My father has no criminal record and should have never been attacked by these agents," Alejandro Barranco told Democratic members of the House Committee on Homeland Security. "He supported his family and paid taxes. He is a human being, but he was not treated with the basic dignity he deserved."

Barranco made the comments during an oversight forum examining the Trump administration's detention and deportation practices. He also said he believes the current immigration system is "broken."

Narciso Barranco, 48, was arrested by Customs and Border Patrol agents June 21 in Santa Ana while he worked a landscaping job.

Video of the arrest, which made national headlines, shows federal agents holding him down and repeatedly punching him.

The Department of Homeland Security claimed Narciso Barranco tried to evade law enforcement and swung a weed wacker at an agent.

Narciso Barranco has been in the country for 30 years and has two other sons who are active-duty Marines.

"He's still traumatized from everything that happened," Alejandro Barranco said.

After last month's arrest went viral, Alejandro Barranco has become an advocate for his father and even took over his landscaping work while he was in custody.

Narciso Barranco was released from federal custody on July 15 and has an immigration status hearing in August, according to Orange City Council officials.

ABC News contributed to this report.