Palm Beach restaurateur detained after traffic stop, released after 12 days following community outcry
Dec 10, 2025·Location: Palm Beach, FL
Country of origin: Mexico

José Gonzalez, a 53-year-old Mexican national and well-known manager at BiCE Ristorante in Palm Beach who also operates the Tacos Agave food truck, was detained by ICE on December 10 after a Florida Highway Patrol traffic stop for dark window tint while driving his nephew's truck on a supply run. Gonzalez claims he has a valid work permit and driver's license connected to an ongoing immigration or asylum case. He was transferred between multiple detention facilities before being held at Alligator Alcatraz in the Everglades. Friends and colleagues, including Table 26 owner Eddie Schmidt, described Gonzalez as someone who spent over 20 years serving the Palm Beach County restaurant community with dedication and generosity. During his 12 days in detention, Gonzalez reported cold conditions, open toilets, limited privacy, and approximately 80 people held in cramped cage-like conditions. Staff at the detention facility encouraged him to self-deport, which his 23-year-old nephew chose to do; Gonzalez refused. Community members organized vigils, rallies, and circulated petitions that gathered nearly 2,000 signatures calling for his release. U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel and Palm Beach County Commissioner Gregg Weiss organized a vigil on December 21. Gonzalez was released on December 22-23, and expressed gratitude for community support. His nephew remains detained at Krome detention facility after signing expedited removal papers.
Timeline
Sources
- Well-known Palm Beach restaurateur detained, held at Alligator Alcatraz
cw34.com·Dec 17, 2025·archived copy
cbs12.com·Dec 17, 2025·archived copy
- palmbeachpost.com
- Palm Beach restaurant manager released from immigration detention facility 'Alligator Alcatraz'
WPBF·Dec 22, 2025·archived copy
- Florida restaurant manager returns home after 12 days in Alligator Alcatraz detention
gulfcoastnewsnow.com·Dec 24, 2025·archived copy
- Particle: Palm Beach Restaurateur Freed After 12 Days at
particle.news·Dec 23, 2025·archived copy
- Manager thanks community for support at BiCe Ristorante after Alligator Alcatraz release
cbs12.com·Dec 25, 2025·archived copy
- Palm Beach Rallies Behind a Restaurant Manager Held at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ – MOSAEC
- palmbeachpost.com
- BICE Manager Jose Gonzalez In Custody At Alligator Alcatraz | 1290 WJNO | Florida News
- staugustine.com
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