The Emanet Trust

Tonight, my mother, Emine Emanet, is finally home. After 15 painful days in detention, she has been released and reunited with our family. These past days have been some of the hardest we’ve ever faced, but the kindness of our community has helped us stay strong. To everyone who has donated, prayed, or sent words of encouragement—thank you. Your support has meant everything to us.

On February 25, ICE agents came to our family restaurant, Jersey Kebab, and took both of my parents, Celal and Emine, without warning or a warrant. For years, they have been waiting on a decision from immigration services, doing everything right while building a life here. Our restaurant isn’t just a business—it’s a second home, a place where my parents welcome everyone, no matter their situation. They work from morning until night, serving food and kindness to anyone who walks through the door.

When the original fund was started, we had no clue it would reach so many people and would touch so many hearts. Thank you for being a part of our family, and thank you for donating to keep our family going. 

When mom was taken away to Elizabeth Detention Center, Jersey Kebab closed because without her, the restaurant (and our family) cannot function. Our mom returned home on Wednesday, March 12 on bail and several members of our family are being placed into further legal proceedings. Not only has this helped our family financially, this fundraiser was submitted as evidence to the judge that the Emanet family is supported by the local community. That being said, we are working to open up Jersey Kebab as soon as possible and get back to work.

While this original fundraiser is closed, we decided to create a new campaign fundraiser entitled the Emanet Trust. This experience has been hard on our family but with your help, we can make it easier for others. All donations collected through the Emanet Trust will be sent towards the local community who have supported us as well as immigrants, refugees, and organizations making the path forward possible.