MOSCOW, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A man who co-owns three restaurants in Lackawanna County was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents last week.
Nasario Damian Contreras, or Damian as his community knows him, was detained by ICE outside of Isabella's Eatery in Jefferson Township, one of his three businesses.
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North Pocono residents took to Facebook to spread the word about the beloved business owner.
"My hope for our community is that this is a wakeup call," said Leigh Gerardi. "When I heard this news, just scrolling through Facebook, I saw it, and I just became physically ill at the thought of this happening, not only to Damian, but in our community."
Gerardi tells 28/22 News she's been a patron of Damian's for quite some time.
"He has done many parties for my family, for the community, and he feels like he's part of your family and so does his family. He goes out of his way to make you feel comfortable, comes out of the restaurant to talk to you while you're eating, you know, always available with a hug," Gerardi explained.
The 45-year-old co-owns three restaurants with his girlfriend and Damian's impact on the communities is visible.
"From what I can see, the community is outraged. I think that this has really hit home, I think these policies have gone too far, and I think when it's in your backyard, and it's someone that you care about, you see the human side," Gerardi continued.
Without a way to get into contact with the family, Gerardi is speaking out to try to help.
"I was feeling helpless, I wasn't sure what to do to help him. And I just thought, well, try to get the word out, try to let people know where he's at, that he's sitting in a detention center, where he shouldn't be," Gerardi added.
Damian is being held at the Pike County correctional facility. Gerardi says Damian's family is working with attorneys to help him.
