In brief
After the U.S. Marshals detained Celal and Emine Emanet last February for expired visas, their restaurant Jersey Kebab saw a surge in customers united in solidarity. Relocating to a bigger venue, the Emanets navigate ongoing legal battles while being embraced by a supportive community amidst a fraught immigration climate under the Trump administration.
Jersey Kebab, located in a New Jersey suburb of Philadelphia, has become a focal point of community support and protest following the detention of its Turkish owners, Celal and Emine Emanet, for immigration violations. Following their arrests in February 2023, the couple's beloved eatery has transformed into a symbol of solidarity in a politically charged environment.
Celal Emanet first arrived in the U.S. in 2000 to pursue higher education and later returned with his family. After opening Jersey Kebab during the pandemic, the restaurant quickly gained a loyal following. Yet, things took a turn when federal agents detained the couple, sparking outrage and support from locals.
With significant community backing—culminating in a vigil and over $300,000 raised to support their family—the Emanets successfully reopened the restaurant and relocated to a larger venue. The family now employs more staff, including their son Muhammed, and continues to maintain a mission of charity, offering free meals to those in need.
As the Emanets prepare for deportation hearings, they remain hopeful, buoyed by the support of a community that recognizes the value of their contributions and stands against the harsh realities of immigration enforcement in the U.S. today.
