Florida restaurant manager returns home after 12 days in Alligator Alcatraz detention
Updated: 1:21 PM EST Dec 24, 2025
Jose Gonzalez, a restaurant manager from West Palm Beach, was released from Alligator Alcatraz after being detained for 12 days, expressing gratitude for the support from his community.On Sunday, supporters gathered at Bice Restaurant on Palm Beach to rally for Gonzalez’s release, and by Monday evening, he was home. “No words to explain that. That was like the best thing. I never thought that I was going to see that in my eyes. Yeah, that was very, very nice,” Gonzalez said.Gonzalez, who manages Bice, said he was driving with his nephew on December 10 when they were pulled over for a window tint violation, detained, and taken to Alligator Alcatraz. He was there for 12 days. “Many things went through my mind because, you know, the main thing I said, okay, this is this is sad that I cannot be in the States anymore, breaks my heart,” he said.He mentioned that he was treated with respect and was fed three meals a day, but noted it was cold with open toilets and little privacy. He also said people at the facility tried to encourage him to self-deport to Mexico, but he refused, while his nephew took them up on their offer. “Oh, that was like the best feeling to see my brother and all the family… I feel welcome,” Gonzalez said about his unexpected release on Monday.Due to his pending case, Gonzalez did not disclose what led to his release. The Department of Homeland Security stated, “On December 10, ICE arrested Jose Heriberto Gonzalez-Gonzalez, an illegal alien from Mexico, after Florida Highway Patrol Officers stopped him for a traffic violation. All of his claims will be heard before an immigration judge, and he will receive full due process.”Gonzalez shared that the first thing he ate when he got home was Cuban food and said he plans to return to work at Bice Restaurant sometime in the future.Correction: An earlier version of the article incorrectly stated Jose Gonzalez is a restaurant owner. He is a manager.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. —
Jose Gonzalez, a restaurant manager from West Palm Beach, was released from Alligator Alcatraz after being detained for 12 days, expressing gratitude for the support from his community.
On Sunday, supporters gathered at Bice Restaurant on Palm Beach to rally for Gonzalez’s release, and by Monday evening, he was home. “No words to explain that. That was like the best thing. I never thought that I was going to see that in my eyes. Yeah, that was very, very nice,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez, who manages Bice, said he was driving with his nephew on December 10 when they were pulled over for a window tint violation, detained, and taken to Alligator Alcatraz. He was there for 12 days. “Many things went through my mind because, you know, the main thing I said, okay, this is this is sad that I cannot be in the States anymore, breaks my heart,” he said.
He mentioned that he was treated with respect and was fed three meals a day, but noted it was cold with open toilets and little privacy. He also said people at the facility tried to encourage him to self-deport to Mexico, but he refused, while his nephew took them up on their offer. “Oh, that was like the best feeling to see my brother and all the family… I feel welcome,” Gonzalez said about his unexpected release on Monday.
Due to his pending case, Gonzalez did not disclose what led to his release. The Department of Homeland Security stated, “On December 10, ICE arrested Jose Heriberto Gonzalez-Gonzalez, an illegal alien from Mexico, after Florida Highway Patrol Officers stopped him for a traffic violation. All of his claims will be heard before an immigration judge, and he will receive full due process.”
Gonzalez shared that the first thing he ate when he got home was Cuban food and said he plans to return to work at Bice Restaurant sometime in the future.
Correction: An earlier version of the article incorrectly stated Jose Gonzalez is a restaurant owner. He is a manager.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.