Posted on 06/18/2025 8:32:49 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
A Long Island community is rallying behind a beloved bagel shop manager who was detained by federal immigration agents outside his workplace.
Fernando Mejia, the longtime manager of Schmear Bagel & Café in Port Washington, was taken into custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Thursday, June 12, as he arrived to work, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched in his support.
Mejia overstayed a visa 20 years ago, CBS News reports.
Described as a “pillar” of the Port Washington community, Mejia is known for greeting customers with a smile, high-fiving local school kids, and even dressing up as the Easter Bunny for town events. His sudden detention has devastated neighbors and left his family — including his 14-year-old daughter — in emotional and financial turmoil.
The fundraiser, organized by Cullen Mealey, says Mejia’s recent health struggles make his detention even more concerning. Funds are being raised to cover legal representation, court costs, and basic necessities for his family during this uncertain time. Over $20,000 had been raised as of Tuesday, June 17.
“Fernando loves his community, and his hard work and unwavering dedication embody the American values of integrity, loyalty, and perseverance,” Mealey said.
In addition to financial support, a Change.org petition urging elected officials to intervene has gathered over 1,200 signatures. It calls on lawmakers to ensure Mejia is treated humanely and given due process, particularly in light of his medical needs and deep community ties.
Local leaders are also stepping in.
North Hempstead Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte issued a public statement Monday, June 16, acknowledging the concern and heartbreak many residents feel.
“Mr. Mejia was detained based on a warrant of removal/deportation,” she said. “It is important to understand that the final determination regarding his removal lies with the discretion of an immigration judge… I want to speak directly to Port Washington’s immigrant community: you are seen, valued, and supported.”
Dalimonte confirmed she has been in communication with Senator Chuck Schumer’s and Representative Tom Suozzi’s offices, as well as friends of Mejia, to monitor the situation closely.
Community members say Mejia’s presence extends far beyond his job title — he’s a neighbor, a friend, and someone whose smile starts their day.
“Fernando has always given back to his family, his employees, his customers, and his community,” the GoFundMe page reads. “Now, he needs our collective help.”
The incident comes amid growing national tensions over immigration enforcement as the Trump administration ramps up ICE raids and opponents across the country mobilize in protest.
Earlier this month, a 23-year-old Brentwood electrician and US citizen was detained and handcuffed by federal immigration agents in what local leaders are calling a clear-cut case of racial profiling, as Daily Voice reported. He was released 20 minutes later.
Well, if he makes bagels, he should be released. So sayeth The Daily Voice.
Arrest the shop owner as well.
Buh bye!
“A Long Island community is rallying behind a beloved bagel shop” criminal.
For aiding and abetting illegal immigrants.
That’s how brainwashed those lefties are.
Paying them under the table and less ?
According to the agreement he signed when he obtained his Visa, his fines would be over $7 million dollars at this point. Maybe he can pay that with his go fund me account.
“Fernando loves his community,
Mejia overstayed a visa 20 years ago, CBS News reports.
His “community” is whatever country (Mexico, likely) he came here and overstayed his visa.
Overstaying a visa by 20 years? How and why was this guy able to work for 20 years?
re: “Overstaying a visa by 20 years? How and why was this guy able to work for 20 years?”
Name change - false identity?
I wonder what he was filing as far as income taxes each year, what TID (Taxpayer ID) number he was using?
He overstayed. Just like the 9/11 rats.
He had twenty years to get it right. He didn’t. Tough toodles.
Oh no, not the Manager!
Oh, brother. Laying it on a bit thick, Cullen?
Fernando loves American values so much he broke American laws to come here. How did "Nobody is above the law" disappear so quickly?
Arrest the shop owner as well.
______
Yes, if they were charging those hiring illegals at the same time they arrest them, things would change very, very quickly & more would be heading home on their own.
“Described as a “pillar” of the Port Washington community, Mejia is known for greeting customers with a smile, high-fiving local school kids, and even dressing up as the Easter Bunny for town events.“
Yes, very canny for a guy who broke into the country. He had twenty years to try to put things right. Now he’s got a problem. Now that might be a lot harder to do. I wonder if he voted or got involved in elections?
“Arrest the shop owner as well.”
Arresting the shop owners and hotel owners and construction company owners and farm owners and food processing factory owners who employ people illegally would be a very effective way to stop it happening.
But if that did happen we would get a bunch of supposedly law and order Republicans objecting.
Imagine if those business owners got perp walked on the late local news along with an announcement that they next day there would be raids on all businesses that are known for employing people illegally and that the owners and managers of said businesses would be the target of those raids. If it was also announced that all possible legal means to confiscate those businesses, for being criminal enterprises would be employed. I suspect that the number of people being employed illegally would be much less the next day.
Sean Hannity’ old home town. I wonder if will mention how easy it is to live in Port W illegally
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