CAMDEN, NJ — Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have confirmed the identity of one of the Haddonfield restaurant workers who was arrested on July 20.
Two El Nopalito Mexican Restaurant staff members were taken into custody in Camden, sparking the community and business to rally in support of the detainees and their families.
In speaking to Patch, the DHS said "five illegal aliens" were arrested in a targeted operation, including Isaias Romero, of Mexico, after he was convicted in New York for intent to obtain transportation without paying.
Under New York law, this is prosecuted as "theft of services," and can include hopping over a subway turnstile, riding a bus without handing over a fare, and not paying the driver of a taxi for a ride.
According to an online fundraiser that has been organized, his brother was also taken into custody.
All proceeds will be given to the brothers or their families directly, according to Julie Beddingfield of Haddonfield's "Inkwood Books."
She and her team were asked by the family to create the campaign in order to aid with costs for the brothers while they are in custody, to support their families while they are out of work, and additional legal and travel bills.
"I have gotten to know the El Nopalito family and staff over the years we have had owned Inkwood Books across the street," said Beddingfield. "They have fed us, our families, and employees with kindness and generosity for years."
ICE confirmed that "all of the illegal aliens arrested will receive full due process." Each person, they say, will remain in ICE custody pending their removal or removal proceedings.
"Being in detention is a choice," the DHS told Patch. "We encourage all illegal aliens to take control of their departure with the CBP Home App. The United States is offering illegal aliens $2,600 and a free flight to self-deport now."
Those who do not utilize this option will be "deported without a chance to return."
Patch has reached out again for additional information on the other kitchen worker who was taken into custody, and is yet to hear back.
El Nopalito, which opened in Haddonfield in September 2019, is located at 47 Kings Highway E.
According to Joana McDonnell, Communications Officer for Haddonfield, local police were not involved in this operation.
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