Story and photos by Patrick Olivero
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – A wave of support swept through Atlantic Highlands Nov. 22 as more than 170 community members gathered at Veterans Park to welcome home local chef and restaurant owner Ruperto Vicens, who was recently released on bond from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention. The rally, marked by handmade signs, cheers and heartfelt embraces, began at Veterans Park before the crowd walked together to Emilio’s Kitchen, the family’s restaurant on Center Avenue.
Ruperto, a Middletown resident, co-owns Emilio’s Kitchen with his brother Emilio Vicens. Ruperto was arrested by ICE agents Oct. 19 while on his way to work. Despite holding valid employment authorization through 2029, he was detained and taken to the Delaney Hall facility in Newark. He was released on bond Tuesday, Nov. 18, after nearly a month at the facility.
Mayor Lori Hohenleitner addressed the crowd Saturday, calling the moment a powerful reflection of the borough’s unity and compassion. “I have been overwhelmed by the power of community,” she said. “Atlantic Highlands is a welcoming town to all – immigrants, members of every community. We are not divided here.” Later, she reflected on the town’s response, adding, “We’re rejoicing that he’s with us again, and we’ll continue to fight the fight for our friends and neighbors.”
As the crowd reached the restaurant, Ruperto stepped outside to thank supporters, visibly moved. “I never imagined this,” he said. “It broke my heart to hear what was going on out here while I was away. Thank you for all the support – I just want to give back to this community.”
Ruperto and Emilio cooked for every guest as a gesture of gratitude.
“He’s our neighbor. He’s enriched this community, and he and his family have treated mine with love and respect,” said family friend and Atlantic Highlands native Brendan Shea. “We’re just glad they’re here.”
Kerri Kennedy of the American Friends Service Committee, who helped organize community efforts on Ruperto’s behalf, praised residents for their solidarity. “When we heard Ruperto was taken, we knew our town had to mobilize – and mobilize we did,” she said. “Atlantic Highlands showed what community looks like. We protect each other, and we stand together.”
The article originally appeared in the November 27 – December 3, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
