Sunday was supposed to be the same as any other day, mexican chef in new jersey The incident ended in an arrest and sparked community-wide outrage. Rupert Vicens MarquezThose who are participating in united states of america He had a valid work permit and was arrested by police. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (iceEnglish acronym) when he was on his way to work.
Rupert, 38 years old, Father of three children born in Americaleft home in belford He heads to the restaurant he runs with his brother. but it never came.
As reported CNSeveral hours later, the chef managed to contact the family and inform them that they were in immigration custody.
he has been in custody since then Delaney Hall, NewarkI’m waiting. audience There your freedom is defined and set November 17th of this year.
According to ABC 7 Chicago, His defense attorneys hope that a judge will grant him bail later that day as the bail process continues.
your brother, Emilio Vicens Marquezdescribed the call as short and painful. “He just told me that I had been arrested and that I should notify my lawyer,” he said.
At home, everyone was paralyzed after hearing the news. Rupert’s wife feared the whole family was at risk. The two youngest children believe that their father is away on a trip, but the eldest knows the truth and does not want to return to school.
According to Department of Homeland Security (DHS(English acronym) Mr. Rupert “was given a final deportation order by a judge in July.”
“Possessing a work permit is not equivalent to having legal status,” the agency said in a statement.
However, his lawyer stephen lyonsmaintains the opposite. he said: Work permit is valid until 2028 and? There are active requests to normalize the situation. T
He also clarified that the records cited by ICE corresponded to minor violations that were dismissed in 2010. “Rupert is not in any danger and his position is with his family,” he said.
with his brother, Rupert establishes Emilio’s Kitchen in the coastal cities of atlantic highlandafter years of hard work at various local restaurants.
The business became a meeting place, recognized for its proximity to customers and the authenticity of its food.
Neighbors quickly reacted after the arrest. They organized a public vigil, sent letters to authorities and started a GoFundMe fundraising campaign to cover legal costs.
Initiatives led by the mayor lori hohenleitnerincreased the value by more than $95,000 in a few days.
“This is not a political issue. This is a matter of neighbors and friends. We will bring Rupert home.” Hohenleitner said: facebook.
The official also questioned the lack of advance notice from ICE to local authorities. He also confirmed that neither city police nor the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office were notified of the ICE operation. NJ.com.
Businessmen and residents offered to work with the family. restorer leo cervantesone of the first people approached promised to cook with Emilio to keep the place open.
More than 60 people sent a letter to the judge asking for the chef’s release. “What an amazing community. thank you for your generosity” the mayor wrote in a campaign update.
“Cooking is an art”said his brother Emilio on the gastronomic establishment’s official website. “Mother Nature gives us gifts. My job is to serve and cook for people,” he added.
In addition to caring for his nephews and maintaining the daily routine he shared with his brother, the man continues to run the restaurant. “I feel like one of the pieces that was holding it all together is missing,” he admitted.
As the days passed, Rupelto’s case became more than just local news. It became emblematic of the insecurity faced by thousands of migrant workers who have legal permission but lack full protection.
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