COLLINGSWOOD, N.J. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is forcefully rejecting reports portraying a South Jersey restaurant owner as simply a longtime business owner caught up in immigration enforcement, arguing that the man has an extensive criminal history and has remained in the United States illegally for more than 24 years.
The dispute centers on 65-year-old Iemad Saifo, owner of Zena’s American Mediterranean Cuisine in Collingswood, who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on July 31 during what his family described as a routine immigration check-in at a Department of Homeland Security office in Mount Laurel.
Saifo is currently being held at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark while his immigration case proceeds.
After 6abc Action News aired a report highlighting Saifo’s detention and his family’s efforts to secure his release, the Department of Homeland Security publicly challenged the station’s characterization of the case.
“What @6abc conveniently leaves out of their headline is that this ‘restaurant owner’ is actually a criminal illegal alien with a LENGTHY criminal history,” DHS wrote in a post on X.
According to DHS, Saifo “was indicted and found guilty of witness tampering” and also has arrests for theft by deception and identity crime involving impersonation.
The agency further stated that Saifo entered the United States in February 2002 on a B-1/B-2 visitor visa that authorized him to remain until May 2002.
“In violation of our nation’s laws, he REFUSED to depart,” DHS said.
Family Says He Followed the Legal Process
Saifo’s family has presented a different picture, describing him as a hardworking business owner who has spent years attempting to obtain legal immigration status.
Speaking with 6abc Action News, daughter Zena Saifo said her father entered the country from Syria in 2002 and has worked with multiple immigration attorneys while pursuing legal status.
“He came on a B1/B2 visa. And since then, he’s been following the proper legal procedures, working with multiple lawyers and doing everything he can to attain status,” she said.
According to his family, Saifo appeared for a scheduled immigration appointment with his attorney in Mount Laurel before being detained by ICE officials.
His children said the family had no indication he would be taken into custody.
“The lawyer came out and told me that they’re detaining my dad,” Zena Saifo told 6abc.
Community Support Grows
Key Points
- DHS says detained Collingswood restaurant owner Iemad Saifo overstayed his visa by more than two decades and has a criminal record.
- Saifo’s family says he has spent years pursuing legal immigration status and was detained during a scheduled immigration check-in.
- The case has drawn public support from customers and community members while highlighting differing perspectives on immigration enforcement.
Since Saifo’s detention, customers, community members and supporters have organized petitions and written letters asking immigration authorities to release him on bond while his case moves through the courts.
Family members say Saifo remains in good spirits while being held at Delaney Hall and continues encouraging them not to worry about him.
His detention comes amid increased national attention on immigration enforcement policies and Delaney Hall, which has been the subject of recent protests and scrutiny following the death of a detainee earlier this month.
Competing Narratives
The case has become another example of the competing narratives often surrounding immigration enforcement.
Supporters emphasize Saifo’s role as a longtime local business owner, husband and father who has built a life in South Jersey while attempting to resolve his immigration status.
Federal officials, meanwhile, argue that public reporting has omitted what they consider significant facts, including Saifo’s criminal history and the allegation that he knowingly remained in the United States after his visa expired.
As of Thursday, no immigration judge had ruled on Saifo’s request for release, and his family said they continue to seek bond while awaiting future court proceedings.
FAQ
Who is Iemad Saifo?
Saifo is the owner of Zena’s American Mediterranean Cuisine in Collingswood, New Jersey.
Why was he detained?
ICE detained Saifo during a scheduled immigration check-in on July 31. DHS says he remained in the country after his visitor visa expired in 2002.
What does DHS say about his criminal history?
DHS says Saifo was convicted of witness tampering and has prior arrests for theft by deception and identity-related offenses. Court records would ultimately determine the disposition of any arrests beyond the reported conviction.
What does his family say?
His family says Saifo has spent years working with immigration attorneys to obtain legal status and describes him as a respected businessman and family man.
Where is he being held?
Saifo is being held at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark while his immigration proceedings continue.
Sources: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 6abc Action News, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
