A South Jersey family is anxiously awaiting the return of Emine Emanet, a beloved local restaurant owner, after an immigration judge ruled that she could be released on a $7,500 bond.
Emine and her husband, Celal Emanet, were taken into custody by ICE agents last month during a raid at their restaurant, Jersey Kebab, in Haddon Township, New Jersey. While Celal was released the same day with an ankle monitor to care for one of their sons, Emine was transported to a detention center in North Jersey.
Now, after two weeks of separation, the Emanet family is preparing to bring Emine home. Their son, Muhammed Emanet, expressed relief at the judge’s decision, saying, “We just couldn’t feel any better about it.” The family plans to travel north on Wednesday to pay the bond and reunite with her.
The Emanets, originally from Turkey, arrived in the U.S. in 2008 on an R-1 visa. Celal applied for a green card before the visa expired, but their immigration status has been in limbo since 2016. Despite following legal procedures, their future remains uncertain. Emine’s deportation hearing is scheduled for next week, while Celal’s is set for May. The family’s attorney is working to consolidate both hearings.
Throughout this ordeal, the community has rallied around the Emanets, raising thousands of dollars and writing letters to the immigration judge advocating for their release. Local business owners and neighbors have shown unwavering support, calling the couple integral members of their community.
“We usually live a normal life like everyone else, but these have been tough days,” Celal said. The family remains hopeful that they will be allowed to stay together and continue their pursuit of permanent residency in the country they have called home for nearly two decades.
