Supporters on Tuesday rallied around the owner of a popular North County market who was called to appear in immigration court for the first time in 12 years as he faces possible deportation.
Norberto Ambrosio owns the Just Peachy market on Highway 101 in Encinitas.
His family said he is undocumented and came to the U.S. from Mexico in 1990 at 16 years old, graduating from Carlsbad High School and working in produce for decades.
“I know there were times where they were struggling, but we never felt it,” his daughter Sofia Ambrosio said.
Norberto Ambrosio raised his children in Encinitas, where he then grew his business, buying Just Peachy to run with his family.
“He’s done so much, and he came from literally nothing to being an owner of a produce store, which was his dream,” Sofia Ambrosio said through tears.
Norberto Ambrosio’s deportation case was administratively closed in 2013. That’s a process by which the case is essentially tabled when the government decides a person is not a priority for removal. He was then able to get authorization to work in the U.S.
So his family said they were stunned when a letter arrived in the mail in October, and he was required to appear before an immigration judge Tuesday.
His daughter said he has no criminal history, and NBC 7 could find no record of any charges in San Diego County. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has not responded to a request for comment on his case.
His family spread the word about the hearing, and dozens of employees, customers, friends and community members showed up Tuesday morning to show their support.
“I’m feeling hopeful,” Sofia Ambrosio said. “I know there’s a lot of people rallying behind us, and we’ve got some really amazing help, so honestly we’re just hoping for a good outcome.”
“More than a boss, he was a friend. He’s become family to me,” said former employee Brittney Mujica.
“Norberto’s family to me represents warmth and kindness and hard work and generosity,” said customer Nicola Ranson.
“He’s the kind of person that 100% belongs here. It would be – it would make no sense for him to have to leave,” said employee Rain Frazee.
“His heart is so open in helping everyone that to have the chance to help him – I’m so glad to have this chance,” said neighbor Eileen Troberman.
Norberto Ambrosio greeted and hugged every single person who came to the federal building before heading inside for his hearing. He sat quietly as his attorney discussed the case with a judge.
He has filed to fight his deportation, and the judge set the next court date for May 19 as supporters waited anxiously outside, unsure if he would be allowed to go home or if he would be detained.
“It definitely makes me nervous,” said his niece, Wendy Sanchez. “But I’m just hoping for the best. Letting God take care of this.”
Norberto Ambrosio ultimately walked out of the federal building to cheers and applause. Relieved and emotional, he thanked the crowd.
“It means a lot because everybody shows me that appreciation and mostly love,” he said, placing a hand over his heart.
“Thank you very much, and I’ll see you at the store,” he added.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.