Cesar Cuenca Rosas in a photo taken outside the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark following his release. The photo was posted to the GoFundMe page created on his behalf. ( Click to enlarge.)
A 2026 Red Bank Regional High School graduate detained by federal immigration agents last week has been released and has returned to his family, the organizer of a fundraising drive for his legal battle says.
The arrest of Cesar Cuenca Rosas, a forward on the school soccer team who graduated in June, sparked an outpouring of support that sent the total raised by a GoFundMe effort soaring past its initial $16,000 goal. That money helped secure a bond to have him released from detention, according to Cuenca’s former teacher, Sofia Mugavero, who led the fundraising drive.
In a message added to the GoFundMe page Tuesday, Mugavero wrote: “As true as it’s ever been – solo el pueblo salva al pueblo,” (Only the people save the people).
The message continues:
“In 4 days, 365 people not only made it possible to secure Cesar’s immigration bond, but are also helping him secure a path forward in this country. He and his family are immensely grateful for your generosity. Cesar is a much-loved graduate of RBR and holds a special place in my heart. I know he will make a positive difference in life and will continue to care for the community. Thank you for springing to action and supporting this young man and his family.”
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have not responded to multiple emails from redbankgreen seeking information on why he was detained. He appeared to one of several detained in operations on Red Bank’s west side Friday. ICE has publicly released no information on any others arrested or detained.
The arrest comes as immigration arrests and detentions reach all-time highs amid the continued Trump administration crackdown.
Officials have touted the enforcement effort as primarily targeting people with a criminal history, but statistics show the dragnet has increasingly targeted people believed to have civil immigration violations.
A search of state court and municipal records shows no record of any arrest, municipal court summons or traffic tickets issued to Cuenca.
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Editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331.
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Cesar Cuenca Rosas in a photo taken outside the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark following his release. The photo was posted to the GoFundMe page created on his behalf. ( Click to enlarge.)
