Fernando Mejia, a beloved manager at Schmear Bagel & Cafe in Port Washington, known for his infectious smile and for dressing up as Santa Claus or the Easter bunny, found his life dramatically altered on June 12. After opening the cafe at approximately 5:30 a.m. and making some deliveries, federal immigration agents (ICE) detained him in the parking lot at 7 a.m. His arrest sent immediate shockwaves and anger throughout the Port Washington community, sparking a widespread movement to secure his return.

The community's response was swift and fervent. Signs declaring “ICE Out of PW! Free Fernando” appeared in the store's window, and his name was shouted at a “No Kings” rally. Residents initiated a Change.org petition and established a GoFundMe account to raise funds for his legal battle. Public officials also joined the chorus of disapproval, sending letters to address the uproar. Many expressed profound dismay, with resident Stan Lacy stating it made him “sick” and that it was “wrong” to round up people simply seeking a better life.

Mejia, 41, an immigrant from El Salvador, had managed the bagel store for at least three years and had lived in the Port Washington community for nearly two decades. He was described by store owner George Tsikis as a “great worker” who was “always here” and loved by every customer. Robert Khedouri, an attorney and friend, highlighted Mejia's “big personality” and his dedication to making people smile, calling him “the wrong person to be caught up in the recent focus on immigration.” Mejia is a hardworking, good-hearted person, a visible asset to the community, and has a 15-year-old daughter who is a U.S. citizen. Furthermore, friends noted he suffers from serious liver problems, adding another layer of concern for his well-being while detained.

Mejia's arrest was part of President Donald Trump’s escalating crackdown on illegal immigration. While Trump pledged a program primarily focused on deporting violent criminals and aimed to boost daily arrests from about 600 to at least 3,000, advocates argue that many individuals being detained and deported are not gang members. Instead, they are often farmworkers, restaurant cooks, and others with no criminal record, whose only offense is their immigration status. Town of North Hempstead Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte emphasized that Mejia's case did not involve serious crime, stating, “Fernando is very well-loved in our community. He’s very well-known in our community. He’s someone you would want in your community.”

Public officials rallied behind Mejia. Councilwoman Dalimonte sent a public letter calling him “the beloved manager of Schmear” and engaged with federal elected officials regarding his case. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove), whose district includes Port Washington, wrote to President Trump and Kristi Noem, head of Homeland Security, urging Mejia’s release. Suozzi argued that Mejia embodies the type of immigrant Trump himself described as a “very good, long time worker” who contributes to local economies and communities, and therefore should not be deported. Suozzi also proposed a major overhaul of the nation's immigration system, advocating that “innocent, hardworking families” should not be caught in the crossfire of enforcement efforts targeting violent criminals.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) clarified that Mejia was encountered during a routine law enforcement action. An ICE spokesperson stated he was identified as a fugitive alien with a final order of removal, stemming from his illegal entry into the country on October 18, 2005, near Brownsville, Texas. He was ordered to appear before an immigration judge on November 15, 2005, but failed to do so, leading to an order of removal issued in his absence on January 19, 2006. ICE reiterated that while immigrants can file motions to remain, once all due process and appeals are exhausted, ICE is mandated to carry out final orders of removal.

Despite this, Mejia received a temporary reprieve from immediate deportation. His attorney, Bryan Pu-Folkes of Hicksville, who is representing him pro bono, filed a comprehensive motion to reopen his case. This action prevents his deportation for at least a month while a judge considers the motion. Mejia is currently being held at the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark. Pu-Folkes expressed cautious optimism about the case, acknowledging its difficulty but emphasizing the strong corroborating evidence. Mejia is characterized as hopeful and deeply appreciative of the tremendous community support he has received, though he misses his family dearly.

The ongoing efforts to free Mejia underscore a broader debate about the U.S. immigration system. Supporters, including Rep. Suozzi, contend that the system is broken, offering few legal pathways for blue-collar workers. They argue that individuals like Mejia, who have spent years building lives and contributing meaningfully to their communities, should be allowed to stay, and the system itself is in urgent need of reform.