HADDONFIELD, NJ — Two kitchen workers from El Nopalito Mexican Restaurant on Haddon Avenue were detained by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Monday, July 20, according to a statement released by the restaurant.
What Happened
According to the restaurant owners, the two workers were detained in Camden City, not at the restaurant itself. Authorities have not publicly released details about the reason for the arrests or the immigration status of the individuals involved.
In a statement shared on social media, the restaurant said its priority was supporting the affected employees and their families while continuing to serve the local community.
“Our focus right now is supporting our team members and their families, and continuing to serve our community,” the owners said.
The restaurant remains open, although customers may experience longer wait times due to the loss of staff.
Community Support
The owners said they have been overwhelmed by the support they have received from customers and community members. They added that they provided affected families with contacts for organizations offering assistance.
According to local reports, neighboring businesses expressed concern over the incident, while community members began organizing support efforts for the families involved.
Part of a Larger Conversation Across New Jersey
The Haddonfield case comes as immigration enforcement actions continue to draw attention across New Jersey, particularly among industries that rely heavily on immigrant workers.
Earlier this year, other restaurants in the region also became involved in immigration-related cases:
- In Haddon Township, owners of Jersey Kebab, Celal and Emine Emanet, were detained during an ICE operation, leading to an outpouring of community support.
- In Atlantic Highlands, a co-owner of Emilio’s Kitchen spent weeks in immigration detention while his family argued that his case involved mistaken identity despite his possession of a valid work permit.
Restaurant owners across the state have warned that increased enforcement activity could create additional challenges for an industry already facing labor shortages.
Impact on Local Businesses
The restaurant industry depends heavily on its workforce, and business owners say immigration enforcement actions can have a direct impact on staffing, operations, and small family-owned businesses.
“Restaurants don’t run on ideas. They run on people. And right now, that balance is seriously disrupted,” said Lou Smith, owner of Blend on Main in Manasquan, describing the challenges facing the industry.
What Happens Next
The circumstances surrounding the two workers’ detention remain unclear, and officials have not released additional details about the case.
For local businesses and residents, the incident has renewed a broader discussion about immigration enforcement, workforce challenges, and the impact of federal actions on New Jersey communities.
Sources: Patch Haddonfield