West Hartford business owner taken by ICE released. ‘They didn’t ask for his name, for any identification’
A West Hartford business owner taken from a Dunkin’ Donuts on June 20 has been released.
Seyo Cecunjanin, owner of Portobello restaurant and a dry cleaning business in town, fled Yugoslavia with his family in 1997 and has lived in the U.S. since. He is legally authorized to work in the United States and has been working toward becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident, officials said.
ICE agents reportedly drew guns and arrested Cecunjanin June 20 at the Dunkin’ Donuts on Park Road without warning. His son, Emir Cecunjanin, 22, who witnessed his father’s arrest the day before Father’s Day, said five unmarked cars screeched to a halt as Cecunjanin and two of his three sons exited with bagels and coffee.
“They didn’t ask for his name, for any identification, and even though I was pleading with the officers it came to no avail and they just took him away,” Emir Cecujinan said. “He’s a good man. He’s not a criminal.”
Officials including U.S. Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Reps. John B. Larson, Rosa DeLauro and Jim Himes petitioned for his release.
“There is no excuse, no reason for it. Seyo is not a flight risk,” Blumenthal said at a rally calling for his release. “He is not a danger to the community. In fact, he is about the opposite of what normally would be regarded as a flight risk.”
Mayor Shari Cantor also called for his release.
“The June 20th seizure of West Hartford businessman Seyo Cecunjanin, surrounded by approximately five ICE agents in five separate vehicles at the Park Road Dunkin’ Donuts, without explanation, without cause given, and without even a request for identification – was a shocking display of federal overreach that has shaken our entire community,” Cantor said in a statement.
Officials celebrated his release Friday.
West Hartford Democrats said, “This is a moment of relief and celebration, but also a moment to reflect. Seyo should never have been taken in the first place. No one should have to endure what he and his family went through over these past weeks, the fear, the uncertainty, and the pain of being separated from the people and the community you love.”
“Seyo’s release is a magnificent start to the July 4th celebration,” Blumenthal said. “So proud of all the community who rallied around Seyo as Congressman Larson and I fought for his release. Our letters, protests, and work behind the scenes vindicated his cause. Seyo’s son, Emir, tells me he’s “doing great”. As well, he deserves to be.
“His courage and faith are a lesson to all of us on this 250th national birthday. I look forward to welcoming him home. ICE seizing and detaining him was cruel and unconscionable. He was never a flight risk, or a danger to anyone. I’ll support his efforts to gain permanent legal status and more. Welcome home Seyo!”