Amid community outcry, ICE releases statement on arrests of NJ restaurant owners Emine and Celal Emanet

ICE released a statement on the detainment of Jersey Kebab owners Emine Emanet and Celal Emanet, whose restaurant was described by the township's mayor as a"pillar of the community."

A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson released a statement on the detainment of the owners of a popular New Jersey restaurant amid outrage from local community leaders and residents.

Last Tuesday, ICE officers raided the Jersey Kebab restaurant in Haddon Township and arrested the owners, Emine Emanet and her husband, Celal Emanet.

Emine Emanet and her husband, Celal.WCAU“During the investigation, ICE administratively arrested two Turkish citizens, Emine and Celal Emanet, who are present in the United States illegally. ICE authority under Title 8 of the U.S. Code enables the agency to investigate and enforce immigration laws, particularly in cases where immigration violations intersect with national security, public safety and transnational crime,” the ICE spokesperson wrote in a statement on Friday. “The Emanets were served a notice to appear before an immigration judge and place in removal proceedings.”

Celal Emanet was released from custody with an ankle monitor and spoke with NBC10 on Tuesday.

“I was shocked and my heart was getting crushed,” he said. “I was so much nervous. But I didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t do anything wrong in my life.”