{"id":23721,"date":"2025-12-23T18:45:58","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T23:45:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/miami\/2025\/12\/23\/palm-beach-restaurateur-freed\/"},"modified":"2025-12-23T18:45:59","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T23:45:59","slug":"palm-beach-restaurateur-freed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/miami\/2025\/12\/23\/palm-beach-restaurateur-freed\/","title":{"rendered":"Palm Beach Restaurateur Freed"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction to the Case<\/h2>\n

PALM BEACH \u2014 Jos\u00e9 Gonzalez \u2014 a well-known restaurant manager and food truck owner detained during Florida\u2019s immigration crackdown \u2014 has been released and reunited with his family.
\nGonzalez had been held for nearly two weeks in the remote immigration detention facility known as Alligator Alcatraz, sparking outrage, vigils, and political pressure throughout Palm Beach County.
\nGonzalez\u2019s sudden release on Monday afternoon was confirmed by his brother, Javier Gonzalez, who told CBS12 News that Jos\u00e9 is back home and recovering from the ordeal.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a tough few days but obviously we\u2019re happy to have him back, The place is terrible, the conditions are terrible, but glad it\u2019s over,\u201d Javier Gonzalez said in a statement.<\/p>\n

Background on Jos\u00e9 Gonzalez<\/h2>\n

Jos\u00e9 Gonzalez, 53, a native of Mexico, has spent decades in the South Florida dining scene. He is known to many as the face of BiCE Ristorante on Worth Avenue and the operator behind the Tacos Agave food truck in West Palm Beach.
\nEarlier this month, his attorney says Gonzalez was detained while driving his nephew\u2019s truck on a supply run.
\nAccording to Gonzalez\u2019s attorney, the initial stop was conducted by the Florida Highway Patrol, not local police or immigration agents. The attorney said troopers pulled the truck over because the window tint was allegedly too dark. Gonzalez was driving at the time, with his nephew in the vehicle, the attorney said.<\/p>\n

Detention and Transfer<\/h2>\n

After the stop, the attorney told CBS12 News that Gonzalez was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
\nThe attorney said Gonzalez has a valid work permit connected to an ongoing immigration or asylum case. Even so, the lawyer said Gonzalez was moved between multiple detention facilities before being transferred to Alligator Alcatraz.
\nFamily members confirmed that Gonzalez\u2019s nephew agreed to expedited removal back to Mexico.<\/p>\n

Community Reaction<\/h2>\n

Dionne Schneider, owner of Coastal Girls Co., said Gonzalez has long been a positive presence in the community.
\n\u201cKnowing he might not be coming back was heartbreaking \u2014 but now that he is, spirits are lifted,\u201d Schneider said.
\nOver the weekend, supporters held a prayer vigil demanding Gonzalez\u2019s release.<\/p>\n

Official Response<\/h2>\n

CBS12 News reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for confirmation and comment regarding the arrest and detention of Gonzalez. They released the following statement on Dec. 23 through a spokesperson:
\n\u201cOn December 10, ICE arrested Jose Heriberto Gonzalez-Gonzalez, an illegal alien from Mexico, after Florida Highway Patrol Officers stopped him for a traffic violation. All of his claims will be heard before an immigration judge, and he will receive full due process.\u201d<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

Gonzalez\u2019s legal future remains unclear. His brother says the next steps will be handled by the attorney and declined to provide additional details.
\nWPEC-Ch. 12 is a news partner of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n