A community in Monmouth County is rallying for a local restaurant owner with a work visa who has been detained by federal ICE agents.

Ruperto Vicens Marquez, co-owner and chef of Emilio’s Kitchen in Atlantic Highlands, was on his way to work on Sunday, Oct. 19, when ICE agents approached and detained him, according to Kerri Kennedy, the organizer of community vigils in support of Marquez.

The first vigil was held at 3:30 p.m. Monday at Veteran’s Park in Atlantic Highlands. A second one is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Nov. 1 at Newark’s Delaney Hall.

Members of the community are also writing letters asking for Marquez’s release, calling lawmakers and donating to support his legal costs.

Marquez and his brother Emilio were born in Mexico and are both in the United States legally with work v

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