Overview
- Ruperto Vicens Márquez, a Mexican chef from Atlantic Highlands, was arrested by ICE on October 19 while heading to work and remains held at a Newark detention facility.
- DHS says a judge issued a final deportation order in July and cites a prior detention for resisting arrest, adding that a work permit does not confer lawful status.
- His attorney disputes those claims, saying he holds valid work authorization through 2028, has a pending relief application, and that the 2010 case ICE cites was dismissed as a municipal infraction.
- A bond hearing is scheduled this week, and the defense plans to seek his release on parole or bond.
- Neighbors and local officials have organized vigils and a mayor-led GoFundMe that has surpassed $95,000, as coverage places the case in the context of stepped-up federal removals exceeding 500,000 through late October; his three young children are U.S. citizens.