Local restaurant owner deported

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. (WWLP) - People living in the Berkshire County town of Great Barrington were stunned when the owner of a popular Mexican restaurant was deported earlier this week.

Friends and relatives told 22News they are now rallying for his return.

Albara Francisco Martinez, the Owner of Taqueria Azteca, was taken into custody by federal immigration agents last week and then sent back to Mexico.

Martinez's cousin and Co-Owner, Pascual Francisco told 22News, "We're going to do everything. We have it on our side to bring him back. We have support from the community."

Francisco says that his deported cousin came to Great Barrington 22 years ago and has become a well liked member of the community.

Stephanie Archer, employee of nearby Fuel Coffee Shop, says Martinez deserves to be allowed to return to the Berkshires. "I definitely think Albaro should be brought back to the states. He's an upstanding member of our community, he owns several businesses."

Franciso says Martinez was slow in processing the paperwork for his continued stay in Great Barrington.

Now the family, with help from their friends, are petitioning to bring Albaro back.