After 14 Days in ICE Detention, N.J. Woman Returns to Serve Her Community
ICE detained Jersey Kebab co-owner Emine Emanet at her Elizabeth, New Jersey restaurant months ago, causing an unfathomable nightmare. She was separated from her family and life for 14 days in a freezing prison cell. Her family and neighborhood were shaken by her sudden arrest, wondering what would happen.
Emine is home with her family, cooking and serving her community, as she loves to do. She cooked over 150 lamb roast, chicken roast, and Turkish rice meals for needy families at Jersey Kebab’s new Collingswood location last week. This philanthropic event, organized with the Haddon Township Equity Initiative, provided hot meals and canned items to people without questioning, helping those in need.
Her motivation is assisting people, adds Emine. Through her son Muhammed, she said cooking and serving the community offers her joy and grounding. She was dedicated to others while in detention. She fed and cared for a Ukrainian captive to cheer her up. Other captives admired her strength and compassion.
Emine and Celal Emanet arrived in the US on student visas from Turkey in 2008. After their visas expired, they filed for permanent residency and waited. They were detained by ICE while awaiting immigration proceedings. Celal was released with an ankle monitor the day following his arrest, while Emine found her release two weeks later on a $7,500 bail.
South Jersey united around the family at this difficult time. Locals filed letters to the immigration court, adorned Jersey Kebab’s windows with encouragement, and raised over $300,000 on GoFundMe for legal bills. Local politicians and community leaders likewise promoted the Emanets as respected neighborhood members.
Emine stayed cheerful during incarceration, inspired by her faith and desire to assist others. Her son said she always put people first. She has strengthened her community and humanitarian commitment since her experience.
After their GoFundMe campaign, they created “The Emanet Trust,” a charity that funds community outreach like last week’s meal distribution and the restaurant’s food pantry. The Emanets’ narrative inspires resilience, community solidarity, and giving back despite personal tragedy.
Due to backlogs and a shortage of immigration judges, Emine and Celal’s immigration case has been postponed until 2029. Celal’s next court hearing is in April 2029. Emine advises those facing similar circumstances to stay hopeful and help others despite this uncertainty. Positive thinking, faith, and community involvement can help you overcome any challenge, she says.
Emine Emanet shows courage, faith, and generosity. Her return to cooking for the needy shows the strength of community solidarity and the human spirit’s ability to overcome misfortune and give back. Her dedication shows us that even in hard circumstances, tiny acts of compassion can alter lives.
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