ICE raid of New Jersey kebab restaurant rattles local community

A recent raid of a New Jersey kebab restaurant by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has led to shock and outpouring support for the establishment by the local community.

Last week, on 25 February, ICE officers raided the Turkish kebab restaurant “Jersey Kebab” in Haddon Township, arresting longtime the owners, Emine Emanet and her husband Celal Emanet. The two relocated to the US in 2008, and according to local news reports they had been working on their paperwork for permanent residency (green cards).

As of one week after the arrests, Celal has been released with an ankle bracelet and Emne remains in custody.

“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 US 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,” an ICE spokesperson said in a statement on Friday, according to a report by NBC News.

“The Emanets were served a notice to appear before an immigration judge and place in removal proceedings,” the statement continued.

The incident quickly galvanised the local community in southern New Jersey, with people leaving red paper hearts and letters of support for the detained restaurateurs on their windows. It also left many locals feeling vulnerable in this diverse area that is home to large gatherings of immigrants from Latin America and the Middle East.

Just over a month into office, US President Donald Trump has ordered ICE and other law enforcement to ramp up raids on undocumented immigrants, following a campaign promise of mass deportation. Many of those who have been detained, however, are in the US legally, creating a grey area of uncertainly for those going through the US immigration process.

“From the moment Trump took office, there has been great concern and anxiety in the community,” Selaedin Maksut, executive director of the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, told The New Arab.

“We’re sure other ICE raids are happening that we’re not aware of. This family was well known, but not everyone has that kind of stage and platform,” he said. 

Indeed, the high profile of the detained couple has put a human face on a national issue that has until recently largely been happening in the shadows. The campaign of mass deportations has largely been promoted as targeting criminals, such as rapists. 

The Emanets, however, have been pillars of the community known for supporting local youths and homeless. 

Following their detention, a local supporter started a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign, which has so far raised over $318,000 for the couple’s legal fees. A note on the page attributed to the couple reads, “We had no idea we had so much love in our community. It’s incredible and so appreciated!”