NJ Restaurant Owner Detained By ICE Released From Custody, Business Says

COLLINGSWOOD, NJ — The 65-year-old owner of "Zena's American Mediterranean Cuisine" was released from federal immigration agent custody, the restaurant confirmed.

Iemad Saifo was granted bond after being arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials during what he thought was a routine immigration check-in on July 31.

"To the community: thank you. This could not have been possible without your support," the restaurant added.

Saifo's return home to family follows a petition that was signed by more than 12,000 people and groups, such as the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, that called for his release.

"We welcome Iemad Saifo's release from ICE detention and are relieved that he has returned home to his family and community while his immigration case proceeds," the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) said following Saifo being freed.

In speaking to Patch, ICE called Saifo a "criminal illegal alien from Syria" who was also convicted of witness tampering in 2018.

"The United States is offering illegal aliens $2,600 and a free flight to self-deport now," the message to those targeted read.

Those who do not take advantage of the offer to return under "the right legal way" will be arrested and deported "without a chance to return," added ICE.

After he was detained, Saifo was taken to Newark's Delaney Hall, the site of numerous inmate deaths and continued controversy over the conditions of the facility. READ MORE: NJ Lawmakers Clash Over Fate Of ICE Prison After 3 Detainee Deaths

His case for citizenship now continues, with a hearing scheduled for December after coming to America in 2002 from Syria.

Saifo's family said he is in America on a B1/B2 visa and "has been following proper legal procedures."

His four children and his wife are all already citizens in the United States.

The family continues to ask for help in the form of donations as the legal battle continues.

MORE FROM PATCH: 139 Employees Lose Their Jobs As South Jersey Business Folds

HAVE A STORY IDEA OR NEWS TO SHARE? Contact Editor Eddie Callahan at edward.callahan@patch.com to connect with Patch in your area.