ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ - October 27, 2025 - Community members in Atlantic Highlands are holding two vigils this week, calling for the release of Ruperto Vicens Marquez, co-owner and chef of Emilio’s Kitchen, who was detained by ICE last weekend while on his way to work.

The first vigil is TONIGHT, OCT 27^th in Atlantic Highlands.  The second is on Saturday, Nov 1 in Newark. Details below.

Ruperto was on his way to work on Center Ave in Atlantic Highlands early morning on Sunday, November 19^th when ICE agents parked at the St Agnes church approached and detained him. 

Ruperto is legally in the United States on a valid work visa. He and his brother Emilio are originally from Mexico. They worked at Copper Canyon for seven years before opening Emilio’s Kitchen, one of the only restaurants in Atlantic Highlands open seven days a week. 

Ruperto lives in Belford with his wife and three young children. He is currently being held at Delaney Hall in Newark, awaiting an immigration hearing. In addition to the rallies, community members are writing letters of support demanding his release, calling lawmakers, and collecting donations to help with legal costs via a GoFundMe account.   

Atlantic Highlands resident Kerri Kennedy is organizing rapid community actions in response to the outpouring of support from neighbors for the family. Atlantic Highlands Mayor Lori Hohenleitner addressed the situation in a public Facebook post which has been widely shared across the community.

In her message, she confirmed that local police were not involved in the detainment and expressed deep concern for the family, stating:

“Ruperto and Emilio represent the very best of Atlantic Highlands: hard work, family, and community spirit. Their restaurant has been a cornerstone of our town, open seven days a week, feeding neighbors and friends with warmth and dedication. We stand with them and their family as they face this unimaginable situation.”

COMMUNITY VIGIL DETAILS:

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS

Monday, October 27
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Veterans Park, Atlantic Highlands

Address: 51 Bay Ave, Highlands, NJ 07732
***Attendees are encouraged to bring signs or cards of support for the family.

NEWARK
Saturday, November 1
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Delaney Hall, Newark

Address: 451 Doremus Ave, Newark, NJ 07105

WAYS TO HELP:

• Donate to GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/3e960fa23
• Write a Letter of Support:
  Address letters to the judge, Hon. Katharine S. Hayden
  Email to bringrupertohome@gmail.com. Letters will be compiled and delivered to the attorney.
• Call Elected Officials:
  Call Rep. Frank Pallone, Sen. Cory Booker, and Rep. Andy Kim to advocate for Ruperto’s release.