\n\t\t\t\t\t\tJose Gonzalez, a longtime manager at a Palm Beach restaurant called BiCE, has returned home to West Palm Beach after spending 12 days in an immigration detention facility known as Alligator Alcatraz.”I know he realizes this but this community gave him the best gift he ever had: his freedom,” said Eddie Schmidt, a close friend of Gonzalez for 25 years.Your neighborhood: Local coverage from WPBF 25 NewsGonzalez was arrested during a traffic stop on Dec. 10.His family, however, said Gonzalez is not in the country illegally and has a valid U.S. work permit.Schmidt said the conditions at the detention facility were “unbearable,” with about 80 people to a cage, sleeping on the floor, and lights left on continuously.He added that there were open toilets and showers.Gonzalez’s release comes after the community rallied for his freedom, posting signs saying “Bring Jose Home” and circulating an online petition demanding his release.Other local business owners distributed flyers with the message “Free Jose,” and a vigil was held Sunday night to pray for his release.On Monday, the community’s prayers were answered, and Gonzalez was able to enjoy his first decent meal in weeks, take a long shower, and rest.”First tears. And knowing that Christmas is two days away and he’ll be home to celebrate one of the most magical Christmases he’s ever had,” Schmidt said.Schmidt said he looks forward to reuniting with Gonzalez and emphasized that while today is a day of rest, the fight for justice must continue.”I look forward to, I will be seeing Jose in a little while, to just giving him a hug and realize today is a rest but the fight needs to continue to happen,” he said.Schmidt hopes Gonzalez’s case will highlight the plight of others in similar situations and lead to change.Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\tPALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. \u2014 \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Jose Gonzalez, a longtime manager at a Palm Beach restaurant called BiCE, has returned home to West Palm Beach after spending 12 days in an immigration detention facility known as Alligator Alcatraz.<\/p>\n
“I know he realizes this but this community gave him the best gift he ever had: his freedom,” said Eddie Schmidt, a close friend of Gonzalez for 25 years.<\/p>\n