Community Rallies for Local Business Owner Facing Deportation

PARIS, Ill. — Jose Fiscal Belli once lived the American dream. He shared a home with his wife, a preacher’s daughter from this small town, and together they raised four children. They managed the Main Street Cafe, serving fried chicken and eggs to loyal customers. Jose also co-owned a Mexican restaurant across the state line in Clinton, Indiana.

Known in Paris, located 165 miles south of Chicago, as a valued community member, Jose coached Little League and volunteered as a Spanish translator for police. He donated meals to the soup kitchen and even gifted a young boy a baseball bat.

Yet, Jose now finds himself in an ICE detention center, facing deportation. Indiana State Police stopped him over a parking issue in Indianapolis and handed him over to immigration authorities. He is detained in Kentucky, with his community mobilizing to support him. Children threatened to quit baseball, golfers organized fundraisers for legal defense, and donations poured in.

“This is one of ours,” declared The Prairie Press alongside a front-page photo of Jose.

Seeing Jose’s arrest has sparked deep conversations about the impact of immigration policies in Paris, a town that once showed strong support for President Trump but now faces the pain these policies bring.

A Troubled Journey

Jose crossed the border at age 16 with his father, eventually settling in Indiana for work. He met Courtney in 2019, and they married two years later, forming a blended family. Attempts to secure legal status were impeded by a deportation order he was unaware of from earlier years.

July 21 marked the day Jose was arrested, inciting concern among family and prompting a town rally. Despite a clean criminal record, he was denied bond. Lawyer Katie Rosenberger criticized the system, saying previous administrations might have allowed Jose to contest his case from home.

The Fiscal Bellis face challenges balancing home life and business pressures. Courtney, studying to become a nurse practitioner, expressed gratitude for community support, despite the overarching anxiety due to Jose’s potential deportation.

Community Conversations

At the Main Street Cafe, questions about Jose arise daily. Customer Billy Henson appreciates the unchanged diner experience under Jose’s ownership. Political views diverge but many, including vocal Trump supporters, express skepticism over ICE’s handling of Jose.

Local leaders like Commissioner Daniel Bruner criticize the situation, highlighting Jose’s investments and family ties founded over 15 years in the U.S. Community members recognize the injustice, albeit within varied political landscapes.

Family Perspective

Courtney’s parents, lifelong Republicans, feel impressed by Jose and disillusioned by the political scenario. Her mother’s attempts to contact prominent politicians remain unanswered, pushing her towards independent political views.

Pastor Chris White criticized the inhumane aspects of Jose’s experience, contrasting faith teachings against current realities. Their internal reckoning extends to denial breaking under personal impact when basic human rights seem violated.

Community efforts continue, collecting character references and organizing support. Letters from police, teachers, and local leaders praise Jose’s contributions while challenging the broader immigration narrative.

A Struggle for Rights

Regular calls from Jose, when possible, provide brief family updates amid detention hardships. He expressed guilt and a need to fight for his family. Deeply rooted in a pursuit of a better life, he resents the criminal label imposed.

Courtney and Jose’s shared commitment remains, albeit with growing fears and hopes within a deeply supportive community.