‘He Did Exactly What Was Asked Of Him’: Metuchen Resident Detained By ICE, Mayor Says

METUCHEN, NJ — A Metuchen resident who was working through the steps of his legal immigration process has been detained by U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), Metuchen Mayor Jonathan M. Busch said.

Sener Kalkan, whose wife Jennifer Poandl is a Metuchen native, was detained two weeks ago after he appeared in Newark for a scheduled hearing as part of his immigration process, Busch said.

After he attended the hearing, passed his scheduled interview, and was given a future court date, he and his wife stepped out to lunch.

When he returned to pick up paperwork, Kalkan was detained by ICE officials while his wife waited in the lobby, Busch said.

“He did exactly what was asked of him,” Busch said. “...No matter where one stands on immigration policy, it is hard not to feel the weight of this moment for a Metuchen family. A wife waiting in a lobby, expecting paperwork, and instead learning her husband would be taken away.”

Before coming to New Jersey, Kalkan fled persecution in Turkey tied to his Kurdish heritage and faith, Busch said.

Since arriving here, he has “worked continuously, supported others whenever he could, and lived his life with generosity and dignity,” Busch said.

After marrying over the summer, the couple were following the rules of a system “they believed would treat them fairly,” Busch said.

Since his detainment, Kalkan is now being held at Delaney Hall in Newark, without bond, and with no clear timeline for release, according to Busch.

• Related: Detainee Population Surges At ICE Prison In NJ After It Reopens Under Trump

Patch has reached out to ICE for more information on Kalkan’s detainment.

“Sener’s story is one of perseverance and kindness,” Busch said. “Those who know him describe someone who gives freely of his time, his resources, and his care for others even while navigating his own uncertainty.”

“We are working with Congressman Pallone and his office to better understand what options may be available to support Sener and Jennifer as they navigate a complex and difficult process,” Busch continued. “Metuchen will always be a community that looks out for and supports its neighbors.”

In a statement sent to Patch, Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-06) said that it was "outrageous" that Kalkan was taking steps to resolve his status legally but was detained anyway.

"Arresting someone at a routine check-in undermines basic trust in the system and discourages people from engaging in the exact legal process the government claims to support," Pallone said.

"I am demanding answers from the Trump Administration about why a Metuchen family is being put through this unnecessary trauma," Pallone continued. "My office has already reached out to ICE and will continue working to ensure Mr. Kalkan receives fair treatment and due process."

Editor's Note: This article was updated with a statement from Congressman Pallone.

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