The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today condemned the recent ICE raid on Jersey Kebab, a family-owned Mediterranean restaurant in Haddon Township, South Jersey, and called for the immediate release of the detained owner, Emine Emanet.
On February 26, 2025, ICE agents raided Jersey Kebab and arrested its owners, Celal and Emine Emanet, citing unresolved immigration status issues. The raid has sparked outrage in the community, as the Emanet family has been waiting for years for their green card status to be resolved and has no criminal record.
CAIR-NJ urges the community to write and send support letters for the Emanet family. More information and a template for the letters can be found here: Support Letters for the Emanet Family.
In a statement, CAIR-New Jersey Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“The raid on Jersey Kebab and the arrest of its owners, Celal and Emine Emanet, is a gross misuse of power by ICE and an attack on a family that has contributed positively to their local community. Here is yet another example of gross misconduct by ICE—disrupting the lives of law-abiding immigrants who have been waiting for years for their green card status to be resolved. New Jersey families and communities are being torn apart. It’s unjust and dehumanizing. Our CAIR office will advocate and work with elected leaders to reunite the Emanet family, God willing.”
“This incident highlights the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform that prioritizes humanity and fairness. We urge our state’s lawmakers to take action to prevent such injustices from occurring again.”
In a statement, New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice Policy & Advocacy Manager Erik Cruz-Morales said:
“It is heartbreaking to see the Emanet family suffer due to President Trump’s mass immigration crackdown. This hardworking family—business owners and cherished members of their South Jersey community—are being unjustly targeted, just like many others across the state. These actions tear families apart and betray the values New Jersey holds as a state. We stand in full support of Celal and Emine Emanet—parents, neighbors, and vital members of our community.”
CAIR-NJ calls for Emine Emanet’s immediate release and for ICE to reconsider its approach to handling immigration cases that involve families who have no criminal record and application status is pending.
Background:
Emine Emanet, who is currently detained at the Elizabeth Detention Center, is a pillar of her family and community. Emine is also the primary caregiver for her 15-year-old autistic child.
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support the Emanet family during this crisis: Stand by the Emanet Family in Crisis.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Operations Director, Dyaa Terpstra, dterpstra@cair.com (908) 760-0129