A Turkish couple, Cemal and Emine Emanet, who were awaiting Green Card approval, were detained by U.S. immigration officials in a raid on their home and business in New Jersey.
On February 25, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, armed with long rifles, raided the couple’s home and their restaurant, taking them both into custody. The authorities sealed off the business and transported the couple to a detention center.
Cemal Emanet described the raid, stating that armed officers surrounded their home. He believes they were detained as part of a wider crackdown, suspecting they were reported by someone. While Cemal was released the following day with an electronic ankle monitor, his wife, Emine, remains in custody. He criticized the lack of explanation, calling the treatment a direct result of President Donald Trump’s “arbitrary enforcement policies.”
Cemal, who holds a master’s degree and is pursuing a Ph.D., had applied for a Green Card nine years ago due to his involvement in a religious institution. However, his application has not been approved or denied since then. Before Trump took office, his lawyer had reassured him that only undocumented immigrants with criminal records would be targeted under such policies.
The local community expressed outrage following the incident, gathering outside the couple’s restaurant to show support. They left messages of solidarity, including “We stand with you” and “You are not alone,” on the windows.
Since taking office, President Trump has intensified immigration enforcement. He revoked the CBP One application, which previously facilitated legal immigration, and authorized officials to arrest undocumented immigrants near sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals, and schools. His administration also granted more power to federal agencies to escalate deportation efforts.
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