NJ business owner released on bond after being arrested by ICE in Haddon Twp.
The couple's son says his mother's deportation hearing is set for next week and his father's is in May.
HADDON TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- The owner of Jersey Kebab, the popular Haddon Township, New Jersey, restaurant, was released on bond Wednesday evening, two weeks after she was arrested by ICE agents.
When Emine Emanet arrived home to South Jersey, she was met by family members and friends who were ready to celebrate her return.
"She's just relieved now and appreciating that she's here to enjoy the moment with us," Emine's son, Muhammed, told Action News as he translated for his mother.
Immigration officials arrested Emine and her husband, Celal, at their restaurant on February 25. Celal was released that day with an ankle monitor to care for one of their sons, but Emine was taken to a detention center in North Jersey.
"She was randomly picked up and placed somewhere where she felt like she was criminalized for no reason," Muhammed translated. "She said she was looking around the walls and questioned what her purpose was for her to be there."
The Emanet family came to the U.S. from Turkey in 2008 on an R-1 Visa.
Celal says he applied for a green card before the visa expired but says the family's immigration status has been pending since 2016.
An immigration judge ruled on Tuesday that Emine Emanet could be free on $7,500 bail.
Family members say they are grateful the judge granted bond, but their legal battle continues.
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A deportation hearing for Emine that was previously set for next week has been canceled. Now, the family's attorney is working to get Emine and Celal's cases heard at the same time.
Muhammed said while his family pays taxes, they are not eligible for any benefits, like social security, because they haven't been granted permanent residency. He believes their story is evidence that the immigration system is flawed.
"Hopefully, with the decision that's going to come in court, people will see that immigrants that are here, trying to do better for the community... They deserve a chance to have equal rights," he said.
For now, Emine said she is thankful to be reunited with her family and friends.
"Now that she's back, we feel like our feet are finally touching the ground again. Now we're back to life," Muhammed said.
Emine has two meetings with ICE officials scheduled for Thursday morning.
On Thursday afternoon, she plans to visit Jersey Kebab to thank the community members who have stood by her family during this time.
Muhammed said, "To see complete strangers turn into our family over the years, and for them to take care of us like we're their family, she's just very emotionally touched by that."
