(THE SANTANERO) SANTA ANA, Calif. — The City Council voted 4–3 Tuesday night to approve a police drone program, following a tense and closely divided debate over the use of unmanned aerial technology. The decision authorizes the city to move forward with the agreement outlined in the staff report, allowing the Police Department to implement drones as part of its operations despite opposition from nearly half of the council.
This is breaking news. A longer article, as well as the full recap of tonight's meeting will be published later this week.
On our nation's 249th birthday, Santa Ana Police once again warned residents to refrain from popping illegal fireworks and encourage neighbors to report them to keep this Independence Day a safe-and-sane one.
Fines of up to $1,000 and/or jail time up to six months could be cited against one caught with illegal fireworks.
But each year, right at sunset, Santaneros metaphorically put on their war helmets, truly comfort their traumatized pets, and brace for the barrage. Illegal fireworks light up the sky like a military conflict reenactment.
Santa Ana is no stranger to this annual siege. In fact, the boom of explosives is so common it’s basically ambient noise — the city’s unofficial soundtrack. And while the Fourth of July brings it to a dramatic crescendo, residents report hearing pops, cracks, and full-on mortar fire year-round.
In 2022, efforts to terminate sales of fireworks did not reach enough votes from City Council after hundreds of community groups voiced concerns and dissent, adding the 4th of July sales account for the majority of their funding.
It is likely Santaneros will enjoy the three-day weekend with celebratory asada, beer, and less illegal fireworks. Since many voiced on social media to boycott popping fireworks, Santa Ana air quality may appear to be less worse than last year.
Only time will tell.
The Data
Santa Ana Police told The Santanero they do their best in investigating tips given to them. Data shows an uptick in citations from none in 2023 to eight and one arrest in 2024.
While The Santanero could not find anyone to go on record, those we spoke to generally agreed that most will host or attend an asada (cookout) and have the kids light up sparklers while watching other neighbors blow up the 'fusion bombs' that sounds like an incoming missile.
Community organizations face slow sales, political backlash amid ICE raids and latest BB bill
TNT fireworks stand off McFadden and Bristol. (Daniel Diaz/The Santanero)
On social media, residents are increasingly vocal about the noise, danger, and unpredictability of fireworks. The political climate hasn’t helped either. Fear—along with rampant misinformation—continues to grip Santaneros, especially among undocumented neighbors.
As a result, some community groups are backing off. Santa Ana High School’s marching band, a regular participant in fireworks fundraising, suspended sales this year. They asked for donations instead.
The Council did not reach a consensus on whether to cancel the city’s 4th of July event at Centennial Park, where an ICE raid in June led to the detention of a U.S. citizen and lawyer. Some expressed concern about holding the event there, while others, like Councilmember Phan, emphasized its significance—especially for naturalized citizens.
• Keep a bucket or two full of water to submerge blown fireworks for 15 minutes before tossing them into the garbage. Also handy in case of small fire. • Never allow children to light any firework, including adults who are drunk or faded.
Landscaper with three Marine sons violently detained in Santa Ana; DHS alleges assault without evidence
A Tustin landscaper has been identified by his eldest Marine vet son after he was violently detained by immigration agents in Santa Ana.
Early Saturday morning, 48-year-old undocumented landscaper Narciso Barranco was allegedly operating a weedwhacker near the intersection of Edinger and Ritchey Street in Santa Ana when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents approached him. Barranco, who has no known criminal record, was detained in a violent encounter captured by multiple bystanders on video.
The Santanero broke the story roughly eight hours after Narciso was detained and came in contact with 25-year old Marine veteran Alejandro Barranco, eldest of three Marine sons, who served in the Middle East and was part of the final evacuation flights from Kabul. The Santanero put journalism aside for a moment and instead offered resources to him as the first 24-hours are critical for any detainee.
Narciso has two other sons in the Marine Corps stationed at Camp Pendleton. Alejandro told The Santanero on Sunday his father had been in the United States since the 1990's.
The Santanero obtained four different angles of the incident recorded by drivers caught in traffic nearby.
The videos show Barranco running with his weedwhacker in hand. At one point, he tries to enter someone’s car to avoid apprehension. Alejandro said his father likely fled in fear, as reports of agents not identifying themselves and wearing threatening tactical gear continue to ravage the community.
"I do believe my father was racially profiled—they didn’t ask him anything. They just started chasing him, and he ran because he was scared. He didn’t know who was after him," Alejandro said.
As Barranco fled, the weedwhacker appeared to become harder for him to balance and moved toward an agent, but never struck. One agent used mace or pepperspray to stop Narciso.
Eventually, agents tackled him from behind, pinning him to the ground. In one video, four to five husky-sized agents restrained him, and one is seen throwing several blows while Barranco lay pinned beneath nearly 1,000 pounds of flesh and tactical gear on top of him.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told the Associated Press on Monday claiming Barranco “swung at an agent’s face” before running into the intersection. The Santanero, however, has seen no video supporting that claim, and DHS has provided no evidence to back it up as of press.
DHS also took to Twitter on Monday pushing unsubstantiated claims that agents were assaulted, adding the media is portraying the arrest as "slanted."
Barranco was eventually forced into a vehicle and managed to call Alejandro briefly. Later, from the Los Angeles detention center—where calls cost $50 for five minutes—he told his family he was “in pain,” hadn’t eaten, and believed his shoulder was dislocated. DHS later told the Los Angeles Times on Monday that medical aid was offered and refused, but the family disputes that.
The Santanero sent a list of questions to DHS on Monday, but a response has not been received as of press time.
“He has always worked hard to put food on the table for us and my mom,” said Alejandro. “He was always careful and always did his taxes on time. He never caused any problems and he is known as a kind and helping person by everyone in our community. Our parents raised us to be good people, be humble, and love this country."
In a costly brief phone call from the Los Angeles detention facility, Narciso humbly asked Alejandro to ensure his job was completed and didn't leave a mess.
“He’s worried about his work," Alejandro said. "Can you believe that? Everything going on and he’s asking me if I could go finish the job he was doing when he got detained.”
Narciso has received an outpouring of community support, with many offering character testimony describing him as kind, responsible, and hardworking. Despite that, the Barranco family was denied visitation on Monday due to the detention facility’s limited 1–4 PM visiting window, which allows only one family at a time.
A GoFundMe page launched Saturday afternoon by a trusted family friend has raised nearly $150,000 to help cover legal fees, medical expenses, and preparations for potential deportation. Among the top donors include Uruguayan-American activist and TikTok creator Carlos Eduardo Espina who donated $5,000 and what is believed to be Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez, resonating with Barranco story both were born in Mexico, donating $600.
“None of this is right,” Alejandro said.
Before his arrest, Alejandro confirmed the family had already begun the Parole in Place (PIP) citizenship process for Narciso, but immigration attorneys warned them that such applications can take years, cost thousands, and could even raise a red flag with federal authorities, increasing the risk of deportation.
Alejandro said that wasn't an option for his father who works sun up to sun down every day of the week as he prioritized providing for his family.
When The Santanero asked Alejandro what he would say to his father if he were with him now, he responded:
I would tell him I’m sorry for the way the country you’ve given your children to is treating you. You don’t deserve any of this but there will be a change.
— Alejandro Barranco
The family has hired an attorney and standing behind them is a growing army of neighbors, friends, in solidarity.
Leaders respond
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office also responded. Diana Crofts-Pelayo, Deputy Director of Communications, gave The Santanero this statement:
This is Donald Trump’s America, where federal immigration agents are so desperate to fulfill Stephen Miller’s arrest quota that they go after a father with no criminal history, who has lived in the U.S. for decades, successfully raising three marines serving our nation.
— Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA)
Congressman Lou Correa's (D-46) office contacted The Santanero over the weekend and connected him with Alejandro's family to offer support and resources. He reposted The Santanero's breaking news post, adding his disappointment to see what unfolded Saturday.
Mayor Valerie Amezcua spoke in an Instagram reel posted to her social media Sunday evening, marking a stronger tone, telling ICE to come correct or get out of Santa Ana.
“They are not here to protect us and to serve,” she said. “These agents are here to hurt us.” However she said that while people may claims she’s taking a stronger position this time around given a heavy amount of heat from Santaneros during a recent council meeting, she said it’s always been the same intent.
“If you’re gonna do it ICE agents, do it the right way, otherwise get out of our city.” Amezcua said.
Councilmember Jessie Lopez expressed her frustration on social media as well.
Councilmember David Penaloza on Instagram would tag Young Kim in his stories, marking her silence and apparent absence on the issue.
"This family is a great example of how our people love this Country, how we fight for this Country, and how this Country still throws away its best if they are Black or Brown," Councilmember Johnathan Ryan Hernandez said on Instagram. "We need to realize, this is an attack on Brown people, Immigrants, Working families, and our Parents! We need to continue to stand up against the terror ICE is committing in our communities by filming them and helping our families stay together."
Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento's office also asked The Santanero on Monday to forward the supervisor's support and resources available for Alejandro and his family.
The Santanero is aware of other local leaders responding to the news, but is currently attempting to add them at this time.
Santa Ana Police redact ICE tip disclosures after Essayli letter
Santa Ana Police redacted all ICE courtesy notifications following a June 6 letter from U.S. Attorney Essayli warning the city that disclosing them could violate federal law.
The Santa Ana Police Department responded to a public records request submitted by The Santanero on Tuesday, seeking information about the number of courtesy notifications received from federal immigration authorities since January 20, 2025.
Redacted public record of federal immigration courtesy notifications sent to SAPD since Jan. 20, 2025.
According to Jessica Antes from the SAPD Records Division, the redactions were made "due to the evolving situation and in light of the recent letter from the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California." She explained that the City is invoking the investigative exemption as the basis for the redactions.
A June 6th letter from U.S. Attorney Essayli advised the City of Santa Ana against publicly disclosing ICE notifications, citing potential violations of federal statutes, including 18 U.S.C. § 1505.
On Tuesday, City Attorney Sonia Carvalho announced that, following a closed session, the City Council had voted 5-2 (Mayor Pro-Tem Benjamin Vazquez and Councilmember Johnathan Ryan Hernandez voting in favor of keeping the measure progress ongoing) to halt further consideration of any proposals that would authorize the release of ICE-related notifications.
The Santanero asked Essayli’s office if raids in Santa Ana were already planned before the June 6 letter—or if the city became a focus because of it.
"We have no comment," said an Essayli representative.
The Santanero attempted to reach a spokesperson from ICE but our request went unreturned.
Despite this development, members of the community, along with organizations such as the Orange County Rapid Response Network, have continued to share information with one another regarding enforcement activity. Community members have remained active in supporting undocumented residents, particularly in response to recent immigration enforcement actions in Santa Ana.
Transparency has been the key to keeping equilibrium between Santaneros and local officials. It is what keeps the relationship trustworthy when times get tough.
Over the past ten days, The Santanero has taken the necessary steps to engage with public officials, submitting a total of 87 questions meant to inform the community accurately and fairly. To date, only about seven questions were answered via text or press release, and three more during Tuesday’s council meeting. The overwhelming majority remain unanswered.
The questions answered had to do with June 9th's protest, Santa Ana's drone operations at Mater Dei High School, and numbers of arrests of protesters, which was promptly posted on our social media to inform the community.
Paul Eakins at the opening of Gerardo Mouet Park. (Daniel Diaz/The Santanero)
Paul Eakins, the city's Public Information Officer, received a total compensation of $167,297.16 in 2023, according to Transparent California. That’s about $458 a day paid by taxpayers.
As of Day 10, the bulk of our questions to him remain unaddressed.
Public Information Officer Natalie Garcia. (City of Santa Ana Website)
Similarly, Natalie Garcia, Public Information Officer for the Santa Ana Police Department, received $167,966.48 in total taxpayer-funded compensation in 2023—roughly $460 a day—but key questions specifically directed to her department have not been answered.
Despite this, the City Council at Tuesday’s meeting directed criticism at members of the public and social media accounts for spreading "misinformation." However, from our side, The Santanero has made every effort to pose clear, relevant questions to the appropriate officials. We’ve done our part; the answers, unfortunately, have not followed. No public press conference has been held, and the silence from the city’s communications team continues.
In contrast, The Santanero also reached out to federal agencies, including ICE and the office of U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. While Essalyli's office declined to comment, they at least issued an official “no comment” response. ICE has not responded to our media inquiries as of publish.
Eakins replied Friday, June 13 to remind The Santanero that he was "working on providing more information."
In an effort to prompt a response before publication, The Santanero sent a joint message to both Mr. Eakins and Ms. Garcia, informing them we’d move forward with or without their input. As of publish, no reply has been received from either official.
Below is the full list of questions we submitted via email to both PIO's—per Eakins’ request on June 10—along with timestamps for transparency:
Email correspondence from The Santanero to Eakins, Garcia from June 10-16, 2025
SENT VIA EMAIL ON JUNE 10, 2025 2:05 PM
What has Mayor Amezcua been up to the last 36 hours? Where has she been?
Mayor Amezcua was invited to attend Lou Correa’s press conference this morning, why did she leave?
The City’s joint statement claims that U.S Attorney Essayli contacted the city because feds were being “overrun”, what did “overrun” mean?
Who did Essayli speak to from the City? [ANSWERED DURING MEETING]
Did whoever Essayli speak to witness the federal agents being overrun or just took his word for it?
What was the City Manager’s role during the protests?
Was Chief Rodriguez present at the protest or station?
What time was the mutual assistance given by SAPD to surrounding departments?
Who responded to the mutual assistance? [ANSWERED VIA TEXT]
How many Santa Ana Police officers were deployed the first time?
Who ordered SAPD officers to form a line in front of the federal gate?
How many Santa Ana Police officers were deployed the second time (when it was declared an unlawful assembly)?
Who ordered SAPD officers to form a line in front of the federal gate?
What is the protocol for SAPD officers to shoot rubber bullets at very close range (as witnessed by The Santanero)?
When an unlawful assembly is declared and as the joint statement says it’s the goal of SAPD to “deescalate” the situation, when the protest does become lawful, is the unlawful assembly order rescinded or will police just continue to roll everyone out regardless if the protest becomes lawful/peaceful again? (Moments in between did occur Monday, but this question is mainly hypothetical.)
How is the City protecting its employees?
Is the City training or giving guidance to employees of when ICE wants to enter a City facility, center, etc.?
Did City financial staff account for the loss of revenue due to many electing to stay home now that immigration enforcement is active in Santa Ana?
Will the City amend the budget to account for loss of revenue due to many staying home and not shopping, etc.?
How many officers were injured Monday?How many officers came from Anaheim, Garden Grove and OC Sheriffs?
The Santanero witnessed the bearcat or military grade truck, was that SAPD SWAT or just SAPD on the vehicle?
What is the purpose of using a military grade vehicle during these protests?
What is the costs of these weapons used by Santa Ana Police (rubber bullets, the guns used to shoot the rubber bullets, etc.)?
At 7:29 PM Monday, The Santanero witnessed federal ICE agents begin to make a line directly behind Santa Ana Police. Was this support from federal agents requested from Santa Ana Police or offered by the agents themselves? Would this aid have violated the statue that SAPD does not collaborate with ICE? [ANSWERED DURING MEETING]
Will a joint-press conference occur with SAPD, City staff, and City Council present? If so, when and where?
Of those 11 arrested by SAPD Monday, how many were from Santa Ana? How many were from elsewhere and from where?
How will the City conduct city business amid National Guard members stationed at one of the entrances, requiring work ID to enter the premises?
Who ordered SAPD to form a line in front of the federal entrance/exit gate after the initial line of officers were dismissed?
— 28 questions were sent Tuesday, June 10 —
SENT VIA EMAIL ON JUNE 12, 2025 3:49 PM
"TUESDAYS PROTESTS
How many injuries were reported?
How many officers were hurt or hospitalized?
How many arrests were made? [SORT OF ANSWERED]
Were any businesses looted?
Were any cars set on fire?
Who ordered police to stage a lines on First Street?
Who issued the mutual aid alert on Tuesday?
Who responded to the request (assisted SAPD) on Tuesday? [SORT OF ANSWERED]
Why did police ultimately leave on Tuesday?
Is it standard for police to begin blocking protestors from moving on streets despite it remaining peaceful?
What is the standard practice, procedure, or standard that Santa Ana Police uses during protests when declaring an unlawful assembly? Such as vehicles and weapons used?
"WEDNESDAYS PROTEST
Who ordered police to stage a line behind the National Guard on Wednesday at approximately 8:10 PM?
How many injuries were reported?
How many officers were hurt or hospitalized?
How many arrests were made? [SORT OF ANSWERED]
Were any businesses looted?
Were any cars set on fire?
Who sent out the mutual aid response alert on Wednesday?
Which departments arrived to aid SAPD on Wednesday? [SORT OF ANSWERED]
How many from each department assisted SAPD on Wednesday?
Who ordered police to form lines on 4th and French at approximately 10:45 PM?
Is it standard for police to form lines even when the protest hasn’t been declared unlawful?
On Monday, before much of the chaos, Santa Ana Police did form a line of officers on Santa Ana Blvd., but it was said over the PA that they wanted protestors to move to Scasser Park, giving them a chance to move. Why wasn’t this done on Tuesday or Wednesday?
"GENERAL/BOTH PD AND CITY
Why was Thursday’s police oversight commission meeting cancelled?
The Mayor said she’s been “working hard behind the scenes,” what does that mean? With whom has she been working with and what was done?
How will commission and city council meetings allow the public to attend despite the National Guard blocking Santa Ana Blvd.?
What does the City have to say about Santa Ana Police’s actions (specifically at being deployed when a protest is peaceful/not an unlawful assembly)?
What does the City and Police Department (specifically Chief Rodriguez) have to say on what unfolded early Thursday morning [Police firing without warning at protestors/not declared an unlawful assembly yet]?
How can Santaneros help their undocumented parents or bosses to continue to sell as the parent or boss hides in fear? Is there a rule for this? For example, we’ve seen a teen takeover for a parent who sold flowers on the side of the road, would code enforcement have to say anything about that?
What’s the status on the ICE notifications measure? What has City Attorney Sonia Carvahlo said to City staff or Council since Essayli’s letter? [ANSWERED DURING MEETING]
Is it acceptable by the code of ethics for police officers to cuss out a journalist who is not interfering with their duties and simply documenting with both hands visible?
How is the City of Santa Ana supporting businesses affected by National guard presence/protests?
What does the Council, Mayor, and Police Chief have to say about The Santanero’s report on police opening fire on protesters without warning?
Has the City been notified of a targeted raid happening at City Hall?
FOLLOW UP EMAIL SENT JUNE 12, 2025 6:25 PM
Santa Ana PD does not own a drone. Do they contract it? How are drones being used during protests?
Who suggested Mater Dei?
What took place at Mater Dei? What did the operation entail?
The Santanero witnessed a drone fly over a peaceful protest on Monday and saw it again on Tuesday and Wednesday. Who was operating this drone? This drone was not media-owned and had the same build as the one seen on Monday.
Who sourced the drones? As in who paid for it and what company did it come from?
How long did the operation at Mater Dei last?
What’s Santa Ana Police’s relationship like with Mater Dei?
— 41 questions were sent Thursday, June 12, 2025 —
RESPONSE FROM EAKINS JUNE 13, 2025 10:54 AM
"Hi Daniel, we are working on providing more information in response to your questions. Thank you for your patience.
Respectfully,
Paul Eakins | Public Affairs Information Officer"
EMAIL SENT ON JUNE 16, 2025 3:42 AM
Did police kettle on Saturday?
If officers were ordering protestors to leave, why were some prevented from going into the parking structures to get in their car and leave?
Why didn’t police use the Emergency Alert System, which allows meta-data to be sent such as a map picture to show the exact area of dispersal?
How many were arrested and please provide the charges (“various” isn’t sufficient)
Is police and the city aware of destruction caused by police shooting rubber bullets and such towards at least one confirmed business (Vibes Boutique)
Protestors leaving asked officers where they could leave since most of the streets were blocked, officers responded saying they didn’t know. Was there a lack of communication between officers/commanders on Saturday?
According to video, police confronted a young male in his car, what occurred and was that person detained on Saturday?
When the dispersal order is given, are businesses allowed to continue operating?
A community teach-in occurred by the Federal Building on 4th and Birch, feds asked people to stay on the other side of the concrete car blockers, however is there a distinct property line? The side walk which has bricks appears to be Santa Ana jurisdiction and grass area federal property. Can this been confirmed with a surveyor map?
How many officers were injured Saturday (and basically everyday since Monday)
How many injuries were reported (of protesters or others not partaking in the protest) on Saturday and all other days for that matter
Were any police vehicles burned, tagged, or broken this week?
ADDITIONAL EMAIL SENT JUNE 16, 2025 8:17 PM
How much in overtime is the city paying out to officers?
What did Essayli say during the phone call on Monday, June 9th (The Santanero humbly requests the audio recording of the phone call, with attendance of who was present at the call). [HALF ANSWERED]
Did the raids occur because Essayli sent the letter to Carvalho regarding the proposed ICE notifications measure? [Essayli declined to comment, City has not responded to this question.]
A Santa Ana business’ window was struck by officer fire Saturday night. What did the department do or respond to the business owner? What is the department’s message to other businesses?
— 18 questions were sent Monday, June 16, 2025 —
The Santanero will continue to ask for answers and file public records requests to effectively inform the community.
CITY HALL — After a week of federal immigration enforcement actions in Santa Ana — which sparked mostly peaceful protests across the city — residents are expressing outrage over Mayor Valerie Amezcua’s apparent three-day silence and her eventual decision to side with law enforcement.
Frustrated Santaneros are showing up in large numbers at tonight’s city council meeting to voice their concerns.
The Santanero reached out to City Public Information Officer Paul Eakins to ask how the city is preparing to accommodate hundreds of attendees and speakers, especially with the National Guard still stationed along Santa Ana Boulevard near one of the main entrances. As of publication, Eakins had not responded.
Stay with The Santanero for live updates from tonight’s meeting, which is scheduled to begin at approximately 5:30 PM.
