PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — In a dramatic turn of events, José Gonzalez — a well-known restaurant manager and food truck owner detained during Florida’s immigration crackdown — has been released and reunited with his family. Gonzalez had been held for nearly two weeks in the remote immigration detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” sparking outrage, vigils, and political pressure throughout Palm Beach County.Gonzalez’s sudden release on Monday afternoon was confirmed by his brother, Javier Gonzalez, who told CBS12 News that José is back home and recovering from the ordeal.In a statement Gonzalez said:“It was a tough few days but obviously we’re happy to have him back, The place is terrible, the conditions are terrible, but glad it’s over."He declined to appear on camera.A Detention That Shocked a CommunityJosé Gonzalez, 53, a native of Mexico, has spent decades in the local dining scene. But earlier this month, his attorney says Gonzalez was detained while driving his nephew’s truck on a supply run.According to Gonzalez’s attorney, the initial stop was conducted by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), not local police or immigration agents. The attorney said troopers pulled the truck over because the window tint was allegedly too dark. Gonzalez was driving at the time, with his nephew in the vehicle, the attorney said.After the stop, the attorney told CBS12 News that Gonzalez was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).The attorney said Gonzalez has a valid work permit connected to an ongoing immigration or asylum case. Even so, the lawyer said Gonzalez was moved between multiple detention facilities before being transferred to the state-run immigration detention site commonly known as Alligator Alcatraz, where he is currently being held.The attorney said Gonzalez is not eligible for bond and has filed a habeas corpus petition in the U.S. Middle District of Florida, challenging the legality of the detention.The attorney also said Gonzalez did not appear in the federal detention system until Tuesday, several days after the initial traffic stop.Family members have also confirmed that Gonzalez’s nephew agreed to expedited removal back to Mexico.Neighbors and local business owners say the news hit hard.Roseann Bani, who works close to the restaurant, said she was stunned.“I was shocked. I was sad. I just hoped that he would return healthy and mentally healthy.”Dionne Schneider, owner of Coastal Girls Co., said Gonzalez has long been a positive presence in the community.“I’ve known Jose for about eight years. He was absolutely one of the nicest men I ever met, always had a smile on his face.”“Knowing he might not be coming back was heartbreaking — but now that he is, spirits are lifted.”Community Pressure BuildsOver the weekend, supporters held a prayer vigil demanding Gonzalez’s release. Rumors also began circulating, including claims that a former official reached out directly to former President Donald Trump, resulting in an order for Gonzalez to be freed. None of these claims has been confirmed.Local leaders say the case underscores a larger problem.Congresswoman Lois Frankel spoke out, saying Gonzalez represents countless nonviolent individuals swept up in immigration enforcement actions.“He was productive, loved by his community, and there are thousands across the country in the same unfair situation, separated from their families.”Frankel called for urgent bipartisan immigration reform.“We need a fair, safe, and just immigration system,” she said.“We need rule of law — but we need humanity too.”CBS12 News reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for confirmation and comment regarding the arrest and detention of Gonzalez. They released the following statement on Dec. 23 through a spokesperson:“On December 10, ICE arrested Jose Heriberto Gonzalez-Gonzalez, an illegal alien from Mexico, after Florida Highway Patrol Officers stopped him for a traffic violation. All of his claims will be heard before an immigration judge, and he will receive full due process.“We encourage all illegal aliens to take control of their departure with the CBP Home App. During the Christmas Season, the U.S. taxpayer is so generously TRIPLING the incentive to leave voluntarily for those in this country illegally- offering a $3,000 exit bonus until the end of the year. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return."What Happens Next?Gonzalez’s legal future remains unclear. His brother says the next steps will be handled by Jose’s attorney and declined to provide additional details.For now, the community that fought to bring him home says they’re simply grateful he’s safe.