Assim Alkhawaja, an asylum seeker from Saudi Arabia with a valid work permit, doctorate, and a growing coffee business, was arrested by ICE at a military base while working as a Lyft driver. He was detained for eight days, placed in removal proceedings, and fitted with a GPS ankle monitor, despite having no criminal convictions.
Assim Alkhawaja, a 53-year-old asylum seeker from Saudi Arabia with a doctorate from the University of San Francisco and a successful coffee business, was arrested by ICE in February while dropping off Lyft passengers at Camp Pendleton. Despite possessing a valid work permit and having a pending asylum case, he was detained for eight days at the Otay Mesa detention center, placed in removal proceedings, and fitted with a bulky GPS ankle monitor, typically used for high-risk individuals. He is now required to report to immigration officials almost weekly. Alkhawaja describes his detention experience as 'unhuman,' comparing detainees to 'cattle.' He recounts being handcuffed and offered $3,000 to self-deport, which he refused. His attorney, Sydney Johnson, points out the 'grey area' in immigration law that allows such arrests despite individuals like Alkhawaja doing 'everything right.' The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) referred to Alkhawaja as a 'criminal illegal alien' and cited an uncharged, unrelated arrest from 2002 to justify their actions, a claim his attorney refutes, confirming no criminal convictions. The incident has deeply affected Alkhawaja, who struggles with fear and anger, questioning if this is 'America.' He continues to run his Sands Coffee Roasters business, hoping to be granted asylum and 'live normally,' but faces ongoing legal battles and constant monitoring, with his next hearing scheduled for October. His story has garnered significant community support, with many expressing that his treatment is unjust.
