Hispanic manager of a cafeteria in Long Island was arrested by ICE while making a delivery
Fernando Mejia served as manager of Schmear Bagel & Café in the Port Washington community
According to CBS News New York, the incident occurred in the business's parking lot, where Mejía was approached upon returning to his car after delivering an order to a customer.
The officers questioned him, requested his identification, and proceeded to detain him, arguing that he had overstayed his visa in the country, presumably two decades ago. The news generated an outcry among neighbors, customers, and immigrant rights advocates, who quickly organized to demand his release and express their support.
The community responds with outrage and solidarity
According to NBC New York, Fernando Mejía had been working at the cafe for years and was widely recognized not only for his daily work but also for his involvement in community activities.
The arrest took the establishment's employees and owners by surprise, who describe him as an honest, kind, and dedicated person. In the words of a colleague, “he’s like part of our family.”
Telemundo 47 also reported on the case, highlighting the words of one of the owners, George, who described Fernando as a good employee who had been working at this location for a long time: “He’s been here a long time. Everyone knew him. He was a full-time employee, a good worker, and very good with children.”
Mejia: An Active Member of the Community
According to the same outlet, Mejia has been recognized as an active member of the community, to the point of dressing up as the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus during the holidays.
The event revived the debate on Long Island about immigration policies and the role of federal agencies in residential areas. He evenAnd according to Telemundo, Mejia's arrest sparked protests from various supporters, who gathered to demand his release. Following the arrest, Mejia's supporters launched a GoFundMe campaign for his legal defense and to support his daughter. To date, more than $25,000 has been raised. Fernando Mejia's case has put a face to a reality that affects thousands of immigrants in the United States, many of whom have resided there for years, have stable jobs, and deep community roots. Continue reading: Dodgers reject ICE agents from entering their stadium ICE attempted to detain a migrant at Home Depot in Los Angeles, but the community prevented it ICE actions against farmers in the Coachella Valley are raised alerts