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Madison restaurant owner detained by ICE after airport arrest, community rallies for support

Feb 18, 2026·Location: Madison, WI

Country of origin: Mexico

Madison restaurant owner detained by ICE after airport arrest, community rallies for support
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Noel Quintana, a 50-year-old legal permanent resident and owner of Señor Machetes restaurant in Madison, was detained by ICE at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago on January 23, 2026, after returning from Mexico on a valid green card. DHS initiated removal proceedings based on a 2006 cocaine possession conviction. A federal immigration judge ordered termination of removal proceedings and granted bond, but DHS filed an intent to appeal, keeping Quintana detained at Miami Correctional Facility in Indiana. Community members organized fundraisers that collected over $50,000 in support, and local leaders including Rep. Francesca Hong criticized the detention.

Timeline

Feb 18, 2026—Federal immigration judge ordered termination of removal proceedings and granted bond; DHS filed intent to appeal, keeping Quintana detained
Feb 18, 2026—Community organized fundraisers collecting over $50,000; Rep. Francesca Hong and local leaders criticized detention
Jan 23, 2026—Noel Quintana detained by ICE at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago after returning from Mexico on valid green card
Jan 23, 2026—DHS initiated removal proceedings citing 2006 cocaine possession conviction as grounds for revoking lawful permanent resident status
Jan 23, 2026—Quintana transferred to Miami Correctional Facility in Indiana
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