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Palm Beach restaurateur detained after traffic stop, released after 12 days following community outcry

Dec 10, 2025 · Palm Beach, FL, 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

Dec 23, 2024Gonzalez returned to community and expressed gratitude for support; planned to return to work at BiCE Ristorante
Dec 22, 2024José Gonzalez released from immigration detention after 12 days in custody
Dec 21, 2024Community organized vigil with U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel and Palm Beach County Commissioner Gregg Weiss calling for Gonzalez's release; petition gathered nearly 2,000 signatures
Dec 10, 2024José Gonzalez detained by ICE after Florida Highway Patrol traffic stop for dark window tint while driving his nephew's truck on a supply run
Dec 10, 2024Gonzalez transferred from FHP to ICE custody and moved between multiple detention facilities before being placed at Alligator Alcatraz
Dec 10, 2024Gonzalez's attorney filed habeas corpus petition challenging legality of detention

Sources

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