Atlantic Highlands Restaurant Owner Released After ICE Detainment

By Sam Barron From Daily Voice

Ruperto Marquez, the co-owner and chef at Emilio's Kitchen in Atlantic Highlands was released from custody Tuesday, Nov. 18, after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement since last month, authorities said.

Marquez was freed after a judge ordered him released last week on $7,000 bond. Kerri Kennedy,  a member of the American Friends Service Committee, and Mayor Lori Hohenleitner shared video of themselves outside Newark Delaney Hall after they paid Marquez's bond.  

A welcome home rally is being planned for Marquez on Saturday, Nov. 21 at Veterans Park at Borough Hall at noon, followed by a walk to Emilio's Kitchen.

Marquez was taken into custody by ICE agents on Sunday, Oct. 19 in front of St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, Hohenleitner said.

The father of three, who runs the restaurant with his brother, Emilio, was wrongfully detained, Hohenleitner said.

Marquez " has employment authorization through the proper channels," Hohenleitner said.

In a statement last month, ICE said Marquez was one of three people detained during enforcement operations that day. Marquez, a Mexican national, had entered the United States illegally and was issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge in July.

"ICE remains committed to enforcing federal immigration law and upholding the integrity of our nation’s legal immigration system. ICE will continue to identify, arrest, and remove individuals who violate U.S. law and attempt to circumvent lawful pathways to residency," an ICE spokesperson said.

An email seeking comment from ICE was sent on Wednesday, Nov. 19.