Community Rallies Around Red Bank Graduate Detained By ICE

RED BANK, NJ — The local community helped to secure the immigration bond of a recent Red Bank Regional High School graduate after he was detained by U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Cesar Cuenca Rosas, who graduated from RBR in June, brought "joy, determination, and humor" into the classroom before he was detained by ICE, Sarafina Mugavero, his former teacher and the organizer of a GoFundMe started to support Rosas, wrote.

"He was always ready to make people laugh, and he loved talking about football, cars, and the latest gossip," Mugavero said. "He worked hard to balance his high school classes with vocational school coursework, all while building toward his dream of becoming a mechanic and one day owning his own business."

After Rosas was detained by ICE, Mugavero started an online fundraiser to help Rosas' family secure legal representation, cover bond assistance, and care for his high school-aged siblings.

According to a report from RedBankGreen, which was the first outlet to report on his arrest, Rosas appeared to be one of several people detained in operations on the west side of Red Bank on Friday.

Patch has reached out to ICE for more information on Rosas' arrest. This article will be updated if a response is received.

The original goal of the fundraiser was $16,000. As of Wednesday morning, $23,251 has been raised.

In an update posted to the GoFundMe on Tuesday, Mugavero said that in just four days, 365 people not only made it possible to secure Rosas' immigration bond, but are also helping him secure a path forward in the U.S.

"He and his family are immensely grateful for your generosity," Mugavero said. "Cesar is a much-loved graduate of RBR and holds a special place in my heart. I know he will make a positive difference in life and will continue to care for the community."

"Thank you for springing to action and supporting this young man and his family," she continued. "Thank you for taking action and supporting this young man and his family."

To access the GoFundMe started to support Rosas, you can click here.