Immigration agents apprehended Nasario Damian Contreras, a 45-year-old co-owner of three restaurants in Lackawanna County’s North Pocono region. The incident took place on Tuesday outside Isabella’s Eatery in Jefferson Township, where Damian was preparing to open the restaurant for the day.
His son, Erik Arceno, an Army reservist, received a frantic call about his father’s arrest and rushed to the restaurant. Upon his arrival, he learned that his father had been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while retrieving soup, surprising the family and local community.
Currently held at the Pike County Correctional Facility, which ICE utilizes for detaining individuals suspected of being undocumented immigrants, Damian faces concerns about potential deportation. However, he remains strong during this challenging time, according to his son. The facility confirmed his father’s registration as an inmate.
Damian is well-known in the North Pocono area, where he co-owns Isabella’s, Damian’s Eatery in Clifton Township, and Leonor’s Eatery in Moscow with his girlfriend, Mayte Vargas. They welcomed a baby boy six months ago and are raising their family while managing multiple restaurants. In a show of community support, over 400 local residents have signed letters vouching for Damian’s character, labeling him a respected business owner, devoted community member, and generous philanthropist.
Arceno explained that they were initially hesitant to publicize the situation, hoping to manage the restaurants without drawing attention to the arrest. However, the outpouring of support has been overwhelming and heartwarming for the family.
Damian emigrated from Mexico at age 17 and initially gained legal status in the United States. Despite his work permit expiration, the family is now working diligently with a new lawyer to rectify his immigration status. Vargas recalled how the couple decided to open their own restaurant in 2019 after realizing their hard work was benefiting others rather than themselves.
Damian, largely self-taught in cooking, gained experience throughout the years in various restaurants, especially in New York City. His dedication to his craft is evident as he derives joy from cooking and exploring new culinary ideas. He is also known for assisting fellow restaurant owners in the community, further emphasizing his commitment to helping others.
While Vargas manages the logistical side of their businesses, she is also facing the emotional weight of Damian’s arrest. She expressed the difficulty of maintaining their current operations, especially with a young child, but remains hopeful and resilient during this tough period.
The community’s strong response highlights the positive impact that Damian has had on those around him, reinforcing the importance of unity and support in times of crisis. This situation showcases the strength of family and community bonds, with many rallying to support a hard-working immigrant devoted to serving others.