Muslim Asylum Seeker Jailed At Newark ICE Facility, Civil Rights Group Demands His Release

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A Muslim civil rights group says it is standing in solidarity with a New Jersey resident who is in ICE custody at a jail in Essex County.

Sener Kalkan, whose wife is a Metuchen native, was detained by ICE about a month ago after he appeared in Newark for a scheduled hearing as part of his immigration process.

According to Metuchen’s mayor, Kalkan fled persecution in Turkey tied to his Kurdish heritage and Muslim faith before coming to New Jersey.

Activists claim that he entered the United States in 2021 and has complied with all immigration requirements and check-ins, with no prior issues.

“He did exactly what was asked of him,” Jonathan 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.”

Kalkan is currently in custody at Delaney Hall in Newark.

An ICE spokesperson previously told Patch that Kalkan came to the U.S. in May 2022 under “catch and release” policies.

“Catch and release” is a term often used to describe the process where certain immigrants are apprehended and released from Department of Homeland Security custody pending their immigration court proceedings.

“Sener Kalkan is an illegal alien from Türkiye who illegally entered the United States in May 2022, under the Biden administration’s disastrous 'catch and release' policies,” a spokesperson said.

>> READ MORE: ‘He Did Exactly What Was Asked Of Him’: NJ Resident Detained By ICE

On Friday, the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) issued a statement in support of Kalkan, who has been detained at Delany Hall since Dec. 1.

“At its core, this is about human dignity,” CAIR-NJ executive director Selaedin Maksut said.

“No family should live in fear or uncertainty because of arbitrary detention practices that disregard due process and compassion,” Maksut said. “CAIR-NJ stands with the Kalkan family and all those calling for an immigration system rooted in justice, mercy, and basic human decency.”

Maksut said it is “moving and powerful” to see the support for Kalkan and his family.

“We pray for his release and reunification with his loved ones,” Maksut said.

• See Related: Refugee Jailed In NJ Followed Legal Process, Faces Deportation Anyway

This article contains reporting by Sara Winick, Patch staff

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