Community rallies to reopen Jersey Kebab after ICE detains owners

In a remarkable display of community solidarity, Jersey Kebab, a beloved Turkish restaurant in Haddon Township, New Jersey, is set to reopen following a series of events triggered by an immigration raid that led to the detention of its owners. Celal and Emine Emanet, who immigrated to the U.S. from Turkey in 2008 on a religious visa, were arrested by ICE agents at their restaurant on February 25, 2025. While Celal was released early with an ankle monitor, Emine spent two weeks in detention at a facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey, before her release on bond in mid-March. Their ordeal sparked significant outrage and concern within the community, which came together to support the Emanet family during this challenging time. Community members expressed their feelings through letters, flowers, and messages of encouragement, prominently displayed on the restaurant’s windows. Many locals were shocked at the rapid developments and rallied around the Emanets to advocate for their rights and support their reopening. The support from the community is believed to have played a vital role in Emine's release, evidenced by the over 300 letters presented to the judge during her bond hearing. In response to the overwhelming kindness shown by their neighbors, the Emanet family hosted a free feast on March 30, 2025, to celebrate the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr. Hundreds gathered at the event, eager to enjoy traditional dishes and to show solidarity with the family. It served as both a welcome back celebration and a way for the family to express gratitude for the community's unwavering support. The couple's green card applications have been pending since 2016, and they continue to face a legal battle even as they refocus their efforts on reopening their restaurant officially for regular business hours on April 1, 2025. The hope is to continue serving their loyal customers while navigating the complexities of immigration issues. The local residents who attended the feast shared their sentiments on the injustice faced by the Emanet family, recognizing that their situation is not unique and reflecting a broader concern regarding immigration enforcement. As Jersey Kebab reopens its doors, it stands as a symbol of resilience and hope within the community, showing that collective action can lead to positive outcomes, even in challenging circumstances.