Seyo Cecunjanin, the owner of Portobello Restaurant in West Hartford, was released from custody after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 20. Cecunjanin, an illegal immigrant from Montenegro, was taken into custody at a Dunkin’ Donuts in town.

Community Outcry

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D) and Rep. John Larson (D-01) demanded Cecunjanin’s release, citing his importance to the community. Blumenthal called the release ‘a magnificent start to the July 4th celebration,’ and praised the community for rallying around Cecunjanin.

Larson also welcomed Cecunjanin home, saying the community sent a ‘powerful message’ by standing up to ICE. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Cecunjanin was a ‘criminal illegal alien’ with a previous DUI conviction and a final order of removal from 1997.

Cecunjanin’s son, Emir, reported that his father was ‘doing great’ after his release. The community’s efforts to support Cecunjanin demonstrate the importance of standing up for individual liberty and the rights of all members of the community.

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.