Berrien County businessman, Ibrahim Parlak battled immigration officials in the past. He even spent time in jail.

Now, his brother Huseyin is on his way back to Turkey. Ibrahim says the warning signs were there when Huseyin was denied his political asylum Friday. Monday, he was arrested when he reported to Homeland Security for his routine check-in.

Ibrahim broke the news to friends and supporters at his restaurant, Café Gulistan. He asked that they join him in prayer at a candlelight vigil for Huseyin's safe return to Turkey.

Parlak says he expected to see his brother back at work at the end of the day after he met with Homeland Security officials. Instead, he was arrested and sent back to Turkey.
He says, “This is worse than a kidnap. With a kidnap, a stranger comes and gets you and you don't know anything, but these are government officials. Why would they do such a thing?”

Ibrahim says he has a good idea why. When his deportation case got national and international attention, his brother applied for a political asylum. He feels Huseyin is being punished as a result.

He says, “It hurts me and it shouldn't happen this way. If they wanted to do something with me they should have done it.”

Ibrahim feels like every time he and his family take two steps forward in their fight for freedom moments like Monday morning make him feel like they've taken two steps back.

It’s his friends who visit him frequently at Café Gulistan who reaffirm his belief in America's democratic values and his brother's safety.

Ibrahim says, “I still believe this is not what America does. At this point, all I can do is pray for his safe return.”