New Jersey Chef Released from ICE Detention After Community Support

Release from ICE Detention

• 👨‍🍳 Ruperto Vicens Marquez, a beloved restaurant owner from Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, has been released from ICE detention in Newark after nearly a month.
• 🤝 He expressed happiness and gratitude for his release, attributing it in part to the community's support.

Community and Business Impact

• ✊ Customers rallied repeatedly, demanding his release, with many expressing understanding and willingness to wait during his absence.
• 👨‍🍳 Ruperto, who co-owns two restaurants with his brother Emilio, was detained while on his way to work.

Immigration Status and Legal Process

• 📄 Ruperto, originally from Mexico, is in the U.S. on a work visa renewed a year ago, valid through 2028.
• ⚖️ He was detained due to an arrest 15 years ago for a non-violent incident where he was never convicted, a detail he had to explain to a judge.
• 🇺🇸 Despite paying taxes and having a renewed work permit, he felt his legal status was disregarded during detention.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 His wife and three children were overjoyed by his return home.

Future Outlook

• ✨ Ruperto and his brother are pursuing citizenship in the future.
• 🍳 His immediate desire is to return to working in his restaurant kitchen.