An Immigration and Customs Enforcement(ICE) raid in Haddon Township, New Jersey has sparked a wave outrage among residents. Celal Emanet was arrested and their entire family, as well as the local community, were left in shock by the raid.
On Tuesday, ICE arrested Celal Emanet. The couple, who has run Jersey Kebab in Jersey for the past four years with great success, was taken into custody. In 2016, the couple began their legal journey when they sought green cards. However, this application was denied. They have navigated a complicated legal environment while waiting for the outcome of their appeal.
Muhammed, the son of the couple, told the family’s story. He explained that their first arrival in America was in 2008. His father is a distinguished scholar with a PhD in Turkish history and a role as substitute imam. Muhammed explained the raid: “There was a U.S. Marshal that’s standing outside with a machine gun…when I came in, they had my dad sitting down in a chair and a female officer already handcuffed my mom from the back.”
Celal Emanet was released from ICE custody with an ankle-monitor, but his wife Emine Emanet remains at the Elizabeth Detention Center. This has caused significant hardships for the Emanet family. Celal expressed his distress to Fox 29 Philadelphia, saying, “When it happened yesterday, I was so sad…She is the main person in our family. This family cannot function without her. What’s the story? They can look at my file because I pay taxes. We have no criminal records and I’m a very outgoing person.”
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Emine Emanet was detained by ICE and has since been released. The raid has sparked widespread criticism. Residents question why the Emanets were targeted, as they are viewed by many residents as “contributing citizens of society” and valuable. The family was quickly assisted by a GoFundMe account to cover the mounting costs of legal fees and other business expenses, while Jersey Kebab is temporarily closed. By Thursday afternoon the campaign has raised $240,000. It is a testament to the support of the local community.
One supporter wrote, “They always go above and beyond for us…If that doesn’t scream America and Americans to anyone, then I don’t know what could. We are very proud of them as neighbors. The community is deeply appreciative of the generosity and involvement in the community that the Emanets have shown.
Barton, another local resident, cited the immigration procedure as being lengthy and asked why the Emanets had been detained when their permanent residence application remained outstanding after almost 10 years. The fact that they were detained should not have mattered. The fact that they were taxpayers as well as pillars of their community should have stopped them from being taken.
As concerns grow over the detention and imprisonment of immigrants without criminal convictions, we are seeing the case of Emanets. This action, motivated by promises to increase deportations has raised concerns about the balance of immigration enforcement with community values.
Haddon Township’s Mayor Randall W. Teague has expressed his unwavering support for Emanet and their family. He described the detention of this family as “heartbreaking”.
In addition to its culinary offerings and commitment to our residents’ well-being, Mayor Teague said that Jersey Kebab had been an important pillar in our community. He emphasized the positive impact of the restaurant beyond just serving food. Teague highlighted the Emanets’ active participation in local charity initiatives including organizing food drive and supporting Toys for Tots.
The Mayor said, “We understand the pain of the family and will do everything possible to help them through this difficult time.” Our hearts are heavy with sadness for this family and we pray that a quick resolution will allow them to be a part our community again. Community members are now rallying in hopes of Emine’s rapid release and reunion with her family. Their contributions to Haddon Township have been immeasurable.