Politicians Condemn ICE's Raid Of Jersey Kebab In Haddon Twp.

Editor's note: This article now includes comments from a spokesperson for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ — South Jersey elected officials have condemned immigration authorities for raiding a Haddon Township restaurant and detaining the immigrant owners.

Federal Marshals and officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raided Jersey Kebab on Tuesday, detaining Celal and Emine Emanet — the husband and wife who own and operate the restaurant.

• Read more: Support Surges For Haddon Twp. Restaurant Owners Detained By ICE

Celal was released with an ankle monitor. His wife, Emine, remains detained in the Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility as she awaits a bond trial.

On Thursday, elected officials from the municipal state levels stood with Celal and his family members outside Jersey Kebab to express their support for the Emanet family.

Two of South Jersey's state legislators said the Emanets "embody everything we should celebrate in the American Dream."

"The Emanet family came to this country legally on a religious visa, built a thriving business, and provided for their family," said State Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald and Assembly Member Melinda Kane in a joint statement. "Beyond their own success, they have given back to the community in countless ways — feeding the poor, supporting the disabled, and assisting our veterans, all without asking for anything in return."

The Turkish family legally immigrated to the United States in 2008 and developed a popular restaurant in the heart of Haddon Township. Their restaurant door contains a sign saying it is free to anyone who is homeless, has a disability or simply can't afford to eat there.

Celal and Emine Emanet applied for permanent U.S. residency in 2016, when their religious (R1) visa was still in effect. But the case has remained open for nine years, leaving them in limbo.

Family members have not been able to contact any arresting officers or Emine since her detainment, her son, Muhammed Emanet, told reporters on Thursday.

ICE has not provided a date for Emine's bond trial, but Muhammed said it will likely be in about three weeks. However, they'd like to get her out sooner, especially since Emine will be fasting for Ramadan, which begins Friday evening.

"They have never in their lives gotten a speeding ticket, traffic ticket or any crime violation," Muhammed said of his parents. "So she is in a very distraught place right now."

Camden County Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. called ICE's raid "an unfortunate example of just how broken the immigration system is here in our country."

"This couple works hard every single day to provide for their four children, grandchildren and to feed the community," Cappelli said. "They have been left without any options when it comes to their immigration status and to be arrested for something they have no control over, is unacceptable."

The mayors of Haddon Township, Haddonfield and Collingswood have also expressed support for the Emanet family.

The detainment comes as President Donald Trump's administration seeks to carry out campaign promises of mass deportations.

An ICE spokesperson told Patch that their arrests were part of an ongoing investigation.

"As with any noncitizen in the United States without lawful status," the spokesperson said, "ICE officers make enforcement decisions on a case-by-case basis to focus on the greatest threats to homeland security in a professional and responsible manner informed by their experience as law enforcement officers."

The spokesperson declined to disclose the nature of the investigation or how the case allegedly tied into homeland security. They also said they couldn't provide information on detained individuals due to privacy issues.

Public support for the Emanet family has surged since their restaurant was raided. A GoFundMe for their legal battle has generated more than 6,700 donations totaling nearly $280,000 as of late Friday morning.

Jersey Kebab remains closed until further notice. But the Emanet family encouraged people to write letters of support for the immigration judge to review during Emine's bond hearing.

"If you knew Emine and are able to attest to her character, write a letter of support to the immigration judge," the family said. "Customize the letter and make it your own, please! The letter is only to convey that Emine deserves to be released on bail and returned to her family. She is not a flight risk."

Here's the letter template they shared.

A vigil for the Emanet family is set for 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Jersey Kebab (150 Haddon Ave.).