‘Mama bear’ mayor fights ICE to free beloved NJ chef — and wins Dan Alexander Published: November 13, 2025 Ruperto Marquez and his family

☑️ Monmouth County restaurant co-owner detained by ICE is expected home.

☑️ Community rallied behind the Atlantic Highlands father

☑️ A 'welcome home' lunch rally is planned for the restaurant he co-owns

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS — A Monmouth County restaurant owner and father of three who was detained by ICE in October is set to head back to his family.

Ruperto Vicens Marquez was taken into custody by ICE in front of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Atlantic Highlands during a traffic stop during the weekend of Oct. 17. He was being held at the Delaney Hall facility in Newark. Marquez is the chef at Emilio's Kitchen, the restaurant he co-owns with h

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