The arrest of the owners of a popular kebab shop at the hands of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Haddon Township, New Jersey, has prompted an outpouring of community support that has raised over $200,000 for legal fees and living expenses for the owners.
Celal and Emine Emanet, originally from Turkey, were taken into custody on the morning of February 25, as NBC10 Philadelphia reports. Their son, Muhammed Emanet, who manages the restaurant, arrived at work to find federal agents detaining his parents. "When I came in realizing that someone had my mother in handcuffs, that's when I knew it was the beginning of what we have envisioned for so long," he said.
The Emanets arrived in the United States legally in 2008 but lost their immigration status when their visas expired. Since 2016 they have been awaiting a decision on their application for legal permanent residency, according to their attorney, Joseph Best.
"Eventually, they will be able to get status, but at this point, they were still out of status," Best said. Celal Emanet, 51, was released from custody with an ankle monitor, while Emine Emanet, 47, remains detained at the Elizabeth Detention Center in North Jersey, awaiting a bond hearing.
The arrests sparked anger among residents who describe the Emanets as hardworking business owners and valued members of the community. Jersey Kebab, located on Haddon Avenue across from the township's municipal building, has been known for its generosity, offering free meals to those in need. A sign on the restaurant's door reads, "Free to anyone with a disability, homeless, or simply cannot afford it."
A GoFundMe campaign started by local resident Lori Leonard to support the family has raised more than $200,000 in less than 48 hours from more than 5,000 donations. "This family and this business has been a pillar of the community," Leonard said in a statement on the campaign page. "They serve the elderly, the handicapped, the homeless. They give away free meals for people in need."
The Emanets published a message on the GoFundMe campaign: "We had no idea we had so much love in our community. It's incredible and so appreciated!"
The case has drawn political attention. Haddon Township Mayor Randall W. Teague issued a statement calling the situation "heartbreaking," highlighting the family's contributions to community service efforts:
"Beyond its culinary offerings, Jersey Kabob [sic] has been a pillar of our community, embodying kindness, generosity, and a commitment to the well-being of our residents. The family's contributions, from participating in Toys for Tots drives to organizing community food drives, have left a lasting impact on our community. We deeply empathize with the family's pain and are committed to doing everything we can to support them during this challenging time"
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