In Honesdale, according to the news, there have been more than one ICE raids at Elegante Restaurant and Pizzeria. I was there yesterday, when I overheard the following conversation between person’s A and B as it pertained to a notice posted by the owners:

To our valued customers, 

We want to address a situation that occurred recently at our restaurant. This week, agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICS) visited our premises, and three of our employees were detained. To our knowledge, each of these individuals has legal asylum status in the United States, and we are fully cooperating with the authorities as they conduct their investigation.

This is not the first time we’ve faced such a situation. In a similar instance in the past, a valued team member was detained but ultimately released after immigration officials confirmed their legal status. We remain hopeful that the same thorough process will lead to a fair outcome for the individuals involved.

“These employees are not just staff – they are hardworking, dedicated individuals who are like family to us. We are deeply saddened by the way people can be judged based solely on appearance or where they come from, rather than who they are and how they live their lives.

 We kindly ask for your respect and understanding as we navigate this difficult time. We are doing our best to continue daily operations while supporting our team and cooperating with the authorities. 

“We also want to be clear and honest: if it is ultimately determined that these individuals are not legally permitted to remain in the U.S., we understand that the law must be upheld. Our hope, however, is that due process will bring clarity and fairness to this situation.  

Thank you for your continued support, kindness and patience.

Sincerely, Sam and ToniAnn, Elegante Restaurant and Pizzeria.”

A: That man was here with a green card, legally seeking asylum. He had papers, and the mayor and police were present when it all went down.

B: Illegal immigrants can apply for green cards. What matters is how they entered the country.

 A: This is not a free country. They’re taking people off the streets. It’s like Nazi Germany.

B: That’s a dangerous statement, and a deflection from what I just said. Unless you have privy to their legal papers, the circumstance around the arrests are hearsay. It doesn’t matter if the mayor was there or not. The mayor and police are not the courtroom.

A: ICE doesn’t have their legal documents either.

B: Correct. But they’ve been given orders to arrest a person, and those orders are typically signed by a judge.

A: But they had green cards. Where do you live? In a dog patch?

B: Thanks for the compliment. Dogs are very keen. Anyway, I’ve already told you, an illegal immigrant can apply for a green card under certain circumstances like if they are married to a US citizen. It doesn’t excuse them from the alleged crime of coming into the country illegally. You’re deflecting.

A: Your whole thing is a deflection. You proved my point.

B: I did? How?

A: I’m done talking to you. Do something productive to help.

B: I am doing something to help. I’m giving you information on the law. If you don’t like it, then write your rep and get it changed.  

(The scraping of A’s chair sounded like the revving of a dirt bike as he abruptly got up and left.)

B: (yelling after him) I know someone who’s looking for volunteers to house illegals. They’re all males ages 18-40 with no background checks. How many can you take? 

A: (yells back) Several! As long as they have jobs, pay taxes and own houses!

(B glances over at me, smiles and winks. I shrug.)

End of story.

RAMONA JAN is the Founder and Director of Yarnslingers, a storytelling group that tells tales both fantastic and true. She is also the roving historian for Callicoon, NY and is often seen giving tours around town. You can email her at callicoonwalkingtours@gmail.com.