Amuse Bouche Vendor Murat Being Deported to France Tomorrow

lynzH/Flickr

Street-food vendors show support for Murat at an event at 111 Minna Oct. 29.

​Amuse Bouche vendor Murat Celebi-Ariner is being removed from the U.S. tomorrow, according to an e-mail message from his wife, Pelin. The French national -- detained by the Immigration Customs and Enforcement agency since Oct. 28 for overstaying his visa waiver -- is returning to Paris after exhausting any last hope of reversing his removal order. Celebi-Ariner's wife sent this letter to media and supporters late last night:

Dear Friends,
It is now final: Murat will be leaving the country on Thursday, November 12th. Our request for deferred action was denied, and even though we filed our green card application it did not bring about a reversal in ICE's decision to deport him. Murat and I considered delaying the process further to see if he could make his way in front of a judge but decided that the disadvantages (mostly his continuing internment and the suffering it has caused to ourselves and our families) is not worth the gamble. So, I bought his plane ticket today.
As you might imagine we are filled with mixed emotions. It is a shame that Murat is being treated like a criminal and that the life we have built in San Francisco is coming to such an abrupt end. At the same time, we are infinitely glad that he will have his freedom back and that our families, and a whole new life awaits us in France. We are also very thankful for ALL the love and support you have shown us during this difficult time. I will never forget the t-shirts, the good wishes, the many many offers of legal, financial and emotional assistance. I know that once Murat is back in France and reads all of his emails he will have things to say of his own, so I am leaving it at that.
Love and blessings to you all,
Pelin Celebi-Ariner