PALM BEACH — José Gonzalez — a well-known restaurant manager and food truck owner detained during Florida’s immigration crackdown — has been released and reunited with his family.
Gonzalez had been held for nearly two weeks in the remote immigration detention facility known as Alligator Alcatraz, sparking outrage, vigils, and political pressure throughout Palm Beach County.
Gonzalez’s sudden release on Monday afternoon was confirmed by his brother, Javier Gonzalez, who told CBS12 News that José is back home and recovering from the ordeal.
“It was a tough few days but obviously we’re happy to have him back, The place is terrible, the conditions are terrible, but glad it’s over,” Javier Gonzalez said in a statement.
José Gonzalez, 53, a native of Mexico, has spent decades in the South Florida dining scene. He is known to many as the face of BiCE Ristorante on Worth Avenue and the operator behind the Tacos Agave food truck in West Palm Beach.
Earlier this month, his attorney says Gonzalez was detained while driving his nephew’s truck on a supply run.
According to Gonzalez’s attorney, the initial stop was conducted by the Florida Highway Patrol, not local police or immigration agents. The attorney said troopers pulled the truck over because the window tint was allegedly too dark. Gonzalez was driving at the time, with his nephew in the vehicle, the attorney said.
After the stop, the attorney told CBS12 News that Gonzalez was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The attorney said Gonzalez has a valid work permit connected to an ongoing immigration or asylum case. Even so, the lawyer said Gonzalez was moved between multiple detention facilities before being transferred to Alligator Alcatraz.
Family members confirmed that Gonzalez’s nephew agreed to expedited removal back to Mexico.
Dionne Schneider, owner of Coastal Girls Co., said Gonzalez has long been a positive presence in the community.
“Knowing he might not be coming back was heartbreaking — but now that he is, spirits are lifted,” Schneider said.
Over the weekend, supporters held a prayer vigil demanding Gonzalez’s release.
CBS12 News reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for confirmation and comment regarding the arrest and detention of Gonzalez. They released the following statement on Dec. 23 through a spokesperson:
“On December 10, ICE arrested Jose Heriberto Gonzalez-Gonzalez, an illegal alien from Mexico, after Florida Highway Patrol Officers stopped him for a traffic violation. All of his claims will be heard before an immigration judge, and he will receive full due process.”
Gonzalez’s legal future remains unclear. His brother says the next steps will be handled by the attorney and declined to provide additional details.
WPEC-Ch. 12 is a news partner of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
