In a shocking display of federal authority, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested Jian Hao Zhang, the owner of China Moon, a beloved Chinese restaurant in Camden, New York, on June 25, 2025. This incident not only disrupted the daily lives of the Zhang family but also sent ripples of fear and confusion throughout the tight-knit community of 2,100 residents.
Community Shocked by ICE Action
Sadie Skinner, an employee at the nearby Shorty’s Deli, witnessed the arrest unfold. As police arrived in a blacked-out van, she felt a profound sense of disbelief. “It’s wild to me,” she remarked, reflecting on how the Zhang family had become a staple in the community, running their restaurant for as long as she could remember. Chief Sean Redden, who arrived on the scene due to a call from a concerned resident, expressed his bewilderment at the lack of information provided by ICE. “I have no idea where he’s gone. I have no idea where he’s going,” he said, capturing the essence of a town grappling with the implications of such an arrest.
ICE’s Opaque Detention System
Currently, Zhang is detained in an ICE facility in Batavia, with little information available regarding his case. According to an ICE spokesperson, Zhang entered the U.S. on a fraudulent visa in 1990 and was ordered to leave by July 2000. The spokesperson claimed Zhang had been considered an “immigration fugitive” for 25 years. Yet, the community knew him simply as a hardworking business owner and family man, not a criminal.
Residents are left grappling with the mysterious and often cruel immigration court system. As reported by Wirtualna Polska, Zhang’s arrest highlights the lack of transparency in how ICE operates. The immigration court notice does not specify the charges against him, nor does it provide any indication of his legal representation or future court dates. This opacity leaves families like the Zhangs vulnerable and isolated.
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Impact on Local Economy and Community Spirit
The closure of China Moon has reverberated throughout Camden, where the restaurant served as a gathering place for families and friends. Jin Ping Zhang, Jian’s wife, and their daughter Winnie are left to navigate the aftermath of the arrest without public support, as they have requested the community to refrain from discussing their situation. Despite their wishes, residents feel compelled to voice their outrage and concern over a system that targets individuals who contribute positively to their community.
Mikey Merritt, a local barber and Trump supporter, expressed his disbelief at the situation. “It’s unfortunate to see something like that happen especially in a community like this where they’re not messing with anybody,” he said. This sentiment reflects a growing realization among some community members that the federal crackdown on undocumented immigrants is affecting people they have known and trusted for years.
Rural America’s Struggle with Immigration Policy
Camden residents overwhelmingly supported Trump in the 2024 election, believing his promises of stricter immigration policies would not impact their small town. The arrest of Zhang, however, brings to light the harsh realities of these policies. In rural areas, immigrant families often play crucial roles in local economies—running restaurants, farms, and businesses that are the lifeblood of these communities.
As reported by Wirtualna Polska, the situation raises critical questions about public safety and community cohesion. Is it wise to allocate law enforcement resources to target long-standing residents who contribute to society rather than addressing local crime or safety issues? The community is left pondering how a system that claims to uphold law and order can simultaneously fracture the very fabric of their neighborhoods.
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Zuiweng qin qu wai pian | Library of Congress
Voices for Change in the Face of Fear
Despite the community’s apprehension, voices for change are emerging. Chris Padgett, a local bookstore owner, articulated a desire for a more humane approach to immigration. “You would think that after that many years, if they were deeply alarmed at them not being a U.S. citizen, then why not walk with them through that journey and try to make that easier?” he said. This perspective highlights the urgent need for immigration reform that prioritizes compassion and community integration over punitive measures.
Community members are rallying in their own ways, expressing hope that Zhang will return and that China Moon will reopen. “If they open back up, everybody go eat Chinese food that night,” Skinner declared, a testament to the community’s resilience and solidarity.
