New Jersey Rallies for Celal and Emine Emanet After ICE Detention

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Key Takeaways

On February 25, 2025, ICE detained Celal and Emine Emanet, with Emine held at Elizabeth Detention Center and Celal released.
The Emanets applied for green cards in 2016; their denial and appeal left them vulnerable to detention and deportation.
A GoFundMe raised over $140,000 to cover legal fees and support the family, highlighting strong community backing and outrage.

On February 25, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detained Celal and Emine Emanet, the owners of Jersey Kebab, a local restaurant cherished by the community in Haddon Township, New Jersey 🇺🇸. The incident, which took place early that Tuesday morning, has sparked widespread outrage and an overwhelming wave of community support for the Emanet family. Their case sheds light on the challenges faced by immigrant families in the U.S. and highlights ongoing questions about immigration policy and enforcement practices.

The ICE Raid

New Jersey Rallies for Celal and Emine Emanet After ICE Detention

The raid at Jersey Kebab was unexpected and left many in the community stunned. Federal agents arrived without prior notice as Celal and Emine Emanet were at work. According to reports, the ICE officers informed the couple that they were being detained to update their immigration case file. Celal was released later that day with a GPS ankle monitor attached to his leg, but Emine was taken to the Elizabeth Detention Center, where she is still being held. Their detention also forced Jersey Kebab, the family’s main source of income, to temporarily shut its doors.

The Emanets’ son, Muhammed, arrived at the restaurant during the raid and was devastated to see his parents taken away. “This restaurant is not just our source of income; it’s our pride and our way of giving back to the community,” he said. The raid’s immediate impact has shaken both the family and the wider community.

The Emanet Family’s Immigration Journey

The Emanets came to the United States almost two decades ago from Turkey 🇹🇷. They originally entered on valid visas and have since been trying to secure permanent residency. In 2016, the couple applied for green cards, a legal status that allows immigrants to live and work permanently in the United States. Their application was denied, but they appealed the decision and have been waiting for a resolution ever since. Unfortunately, falling out of status during this time left them vulnerable to detention and deportation.

According to their immigration attorney, Joseph Best, the couple has no criminal record. Best emphasized during his remarks that Emine poses no threat to public safety or national security. Despite this, their legal limbo highlights the difficulties faced by immigrant families under an increasingly scrutinized system.

Community Rallies Behind the Emanets

The detention of Celal and Emine Emanet has led to an extraordinary outpouring of support from Haddon Township residents. Friends, neighbors, and customers have come together to assist the family during this difficult time.

Financial Aid Through GoFundMe

Lori Leonard, a resident who had frequented Jersey Kebab, took action by starting a GoFundMe campaign to alleviate the financial burden on the Emanets. As of February 26, 2025, the fundraiser had collected more than $140,000 from hundreds of donors. The money is intended to help cover legal fees, support their household during the closure of the restaurant, and assist with any family needs as they navigate this legal ordeal.

The rapid growth of donations reflects the deep connection between the Emanet family and the local community. Many donors shared personal messages praising the family for their warmth, generosity, and the positive impact they’ve had on the neighborhood.

Public Outcry and Customer Support

Jersey Kebab, which opened in 2021, has served as more than just a dining destination. It has been a hub for kindness, aiding those in need by providing free meals and organizing community food and toy drives. Customers who frequented the restaurant expressed their sadness and anger over the situation.

One regular patron, Nick Sammartino, shared his thoughts, saying, “They’re just great people. It’s great food. It’s a travesty what happened to them. Really, I’m disgusted with it, and so are a lot of the other neighbors.” Such sentiments illustrate how deeply the Emanet family is valued by those they serve.

Political and Local Government Support

Support for the Emanets extended beyond individual community members. Elected officials in Haddon Township and beyond spoke out against the actions taken by ICE.

Mayor Randall Teague described the Emanet family as integral members of the community. He called Jersey Kebab “a pillar of our community, embodying kindness, generosity, and a commitment to the well-being of our residents.”
Commissioner Ryan Linhart criticized the raid, calling it an unnecessary “display of intimidation” and a “tragic miscarriage of justice.”
U.S. Representative Donald Norcross joined these voices, stating that this case exemplifies the many flaws in the current immigration system. Norcross urged for reforms to address the inefficiencies and injustices faced by families like the Emanets.

Jersey Kebab: A Community Gem

Jersey Kebab has become a centerpiece of Haddon Township. The restaurant is not only known for its delicious meals but also for its deep commitment to helping others. From participating in “Toys for Tots” drives to coordinating food donation events, the Emanets have shown a heartfelt commitment to giving back to their community. Their generosity has made the restaurant much more than a business—it’s become a beacon of kindness for the area.

As Mayor Teague put it, “They represent the very best of Haddon Township. It’s heartbreaking to see how their family is being put through this ordeal.”

Legal Proceedings: What Lies Ahead

The immediate focus for the Emanet family is to secure Emine’s release so she can reunite with her family. According to Joseph Best, a bond hearing is scheduled for mid-March, but the family is working to expedite the process. Best also confirmed that if deportation becomes unavoidable for Emine, the family has made the difficult decision to leave the United States together.

The legal process underscores the complexity and delays often associated with immigration cases. It also highlights the challenges caused by prolonged waiting periods and limited paths to legal status.

National Context of Immigration Enforcement

This case is part of a wider trend of intensified immigration enforcement. Recent data reveals an uptick in arrests of immigrants who do not have pending criminal charges. Critics of these policies argue that they target individuals like the Emanet family—people who have no criminal background and contribute positively to their communities.

The nationwide discussion about immigration policy often focuses on themes of security and border control. However, cases such as this one emphasize the human cost of these enforcement measures. The Emanets’ story brings to light the broader consequences on families, businesses, and the communities they serve.

Advocacy from Community Organizations

Prominent groups have spoken out about the Emanet family’s situation. The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) condemned the raid on Jersey Kebab, though specific details of their statement were not available. Their involvement underscores the strong advocacy network working in favor of immigrant families caught in difficult immigration scenarios.

A Case That Resonates

Ultimately, the detention of Celal and Emine Emanet underscores a deeply human aspect of immigration policies—all while reminding us that behind every statistic, there are families trying to build better lives. Haddon Township’s strong response stands as a testament to the power of local communities and their connection to immigrant-owned businesses like Jersey Kebab.

As their case progresses through legal channels, it continues to draw attention to the urgent need for change within the U.S. immigration system. Whether in the form of shorter wait times for status decisions or more compassionate enforcement practices, the Emanet family’s story raises vital questions that demand thoughtful answers.

For official government information on immigration processes and updates, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. As reported by VisaVerge.com, cases like the Emanets’ exemplify the intertwining of individual lives and systemic immigration issues, showcasing both the challenges and resilience present in such circumstances.

Learn Today

Detention Center → A facility where individuals awaiting immigration hearings or deportation are held by immigration authorities.
Green Card → A legal document granting immigrants the right to live and work permanently in the United States.
Immigration Attorney → A lawyer specializing in laws and cases related to immigration, residency, and citizenship matters.
Deportation → The legal process of removing a non-citizen from a country due to violation of immigration laws.
Bond Hearing → A legal proceeding to determine whether a detained immigrant can be released on bond while their case is pending.

This Article in a Nutshell

Community Stands With Jersey Kebab Owners Amid ICE Raid

The Emanet family’s February 2025 ICE detention rocked Haddon Township. Beloved Jersey Kebab owners, Celal and Emine, now face an uncertain future, sparking outrage and solidarity. Residents raised $140,000 for legal aid, highlighting systemic immigration flaws. Their story amplifies calls for compassionate reform, proving community resilience against adversity remains unshaken.