Amid Community Outcry, ICE Releases Statement on Arrests of NJ Restaurant Owners
ICE Detains NJ Restaurant Owners, Couple’s Son Speaks Out
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesperson released a statement on the detainment of the owners of a popular New Jersey restaurant amid outrage from local community leaders and residents.
Background
On Tuesday, Feb. 25, ICE officers raided the Jersey Kebab restaurant on 150 Haddon Avenue in Haddon Township, New Jersey, and arrested the owners, Emine Emanet and her husband Celal Emanet.
ICE’s Statement
"During the investigation, ICE administratively arrested two Turkish citizens, Emine and Celal Emanet, who are present in the United States illegally. ICE authority under Title 8 of the U.S. Code enables the agency to investigate and enforce immigration laws, particularly in cases where immigration violations intersect with national security, public safety, and transnational crime," the ICE spokesperson wrote in a statement on Friday, Feb. 28. "The Emanets were served a notice to appear before an immigration judge and place in removal proceedings."
Celal Emanet’s Experience
Celal Emanet was released from custody with an ankle monitor and spoke with NBC10 on Tuesday. "I was shocked and my heart was getting crushed," he said. "I was so much nervous. But I didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t do anything wrong in my life."
Wife Remains in Custody
His wife, Emine Emanet, remains in custody at an ICE detention center in North Jersey.
Alternative to Detention (ATD)
"Emine Emanet remains in ICE custody and Celal Emanet is on an Alternative to Detention (ATD), each pending removal proceedings. ICE’s ATD program, which began in 2004, uses technology and case management to ensure alien compliance with release conditions, court hearings, and final orders of removal. Aliens enrolled in ATD must comply with the terms and conditions of their release and ATD requirements. Depending on the circumstances of the case, failure to comply may result in an immigration judge issuing a final order and may render an alien a priority for arrest and removal by ICE," the ICE spokesperson wrote.
Local Officials’ Reactions
Camden County officials, including Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr., Haddon Township Mayor Randall Teague, and other community leaders, held a press conference to show support for the Emanet family and called for reform of the immigration system.
Community Support
The couple’s son, Muhammed Emanet, said his family was touched by the outpouring of support. "I just cannot thank the community enough for the support they have given us," he said. "And I just wish that we were judged amongst our peers instead of being judged by other judges who do not personally know us at all."
Conclusion
The arrests of the Emanet family highlight the complexities and challenges of the U.S. immigration system, which has been a topic of debate and controversy in recent years. As the system continues to evolve, it is important to consider the human impact of these decisions on individuals and families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why were the Emanet family arrested?
A: The Emanet family was arrested for being present in the United States illegally, according to ICE.
Q: What is the Emanet family’s immigration status?
A: The Emanet family moved to the United States from Turkey in 2008 on an R1 visa. Celal Emanet applied for a green card, but it was denied three times, leaving them in a state of limbo since 2016.
Q: What is the current status of the Emanet family?
A: Celal Emanet was released from custody with an ankle monitor, while Emine Emanet remains in custody at an ICE detention center in North Jersey.
