Released from ICE custody | Inquirer South Jersey

Good morning, South Jersey. The rains have returned after a week break. Some more showers are possible this morning.

The owner of Zena’s American Mediterranean Cuisine in Collingswood has been released from ICE custody at Delaney Hall.

And a former landfill that has been closed for more than 50 years in Voorhees Township will soon become the home to a 13.5-acre solar field.

Plus, Cape May has a new curfew for minors, and more news of the day.

— Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)

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After two weeks at the ICE detention center Delaney Hall in Newark, the owner of Zena’s American Mediterranean Cuisine in Collingswood was granted bond on Friday and released to his family.

Iemad Saifo, an immigrant from Syria, was detained during a routine check-in at the ICE office in Mount Laurel. He came to America in 2002 on a business visa and later sought asylum after the outbreak of the Syrian civil war.

According to ICE, Saifo was arrested because he does not have permanent status and for a 2018 case where he was indicted and found guilty of witness tampering and sentenced to five years’ probation.

Dozens of community members from the Collingswood area wrote 150 letters and signed a petition to urge the court to keep him in South Jersey with his family. Many know him from the restaurant that’s been open since 2011.

The Inquirer’s Dana Munro has the story.

Voorhees Township is set to have a new solar field that should expand access to renewable energy and to lower utility bills for New Jersey residents.

The 13.5-acre solar field is part of the state’s Community Solar Energy Program, which allows households who use the state’s four major electricity providers to subscribe to a participating solar facility and receive renewable credits on their bills without having to install solar panels themselves.

Solar panels are expected to cover about half the property that used to be a 35-acre landfill. It’s been largely untouched since it closed in 1972.

When complete, more than half of the energy generated from the project will be dedicated to low- and moderate-income households, according to a township administrator.

Reporter Lacey Latch has more insight into the statewide program an shares what to expect from the Voorhees solar project.

New Jersey’s Diggerland is the only construction-themed amusement park in the county.

Where is it?

A) West Berlin

B) Clayton

C) Swedesboro

D) Maple Shade

Think you know? Check your answer.

💰 Comparing: Vacation costs of trips to the Outer Banks, the Shore, Dublin, and Mexico.

🎠 Viewing: Photographer Tom Gralish’s latest Scene Through the Lens with snapshots of ordinary life in Cherry Hill, Camden, and West Deptford.

💭 Wondering: If banana will dethrone pumpkin space as the flavor that pops up everywhere?

The various wood-framed businesses, which include casual eateries, boutiques, vintage shops, and a book store, sit on Creek Road among trees in Mount Laurel. They make up the Rancocas Woods Village of Shops and it’s always a charming visit.

What does your community look like? What South Jersey memory would you like to share? Submit a photo and/or a brief description for a chance to be featured in the Monday edition of this newsletter.

And that’s been your news for the day. Thanks for waking up with The Inquirer. ☀️

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