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In the heart of San Diego, Assim Alkhawaja, a 53-year-old entrepreneur with a valid work permit and a pending asylum case, is grappling with the harsh realities of the US immigration system. After being detained by ICE while working as a ride-share driver, Alkhawaja now finds himself under constant surveillance, battling for his right to remain in a country he has contributed to as a business owner and community member.
A Routine of Fear and Check-Ins
Alkhawaja’s life has become a cycle of anxiety and uncertainty. Each week, he reports for mandatory immigration check-ins, where he is questioned about his living situation and asylum application—questions that are often reminiscent of a looming threat. The sterile environment of the federal courthouse, complete with signs encouraging self-deportation, serves as a constant reminder of the precariousness of his situation.
His predicament began in February when ICE agents arrested him at Camp Pendleton, a military base where he had been dropping off Lyft passengers. Although he holds a doctorate from the University of San Francisco and operates Sands Coffee Roasters, a burgeoning local coffee business, these credentials offered him no protection. Instead, he was thrust into a nightmarish experience that included eight days in an ICE detention centre and the imposition of a GPS ankle monitor.
“I keep questioning myself,” he remarked, “Is this America?” His reflections illustrate the dissonance many immigrants feel when their contributions to society are overshadowed by the complexities of immigration law.
The Reality of Detention
The conditions Alkhawaja faced in detention were dehumanising, as he recounted the experience of being treated like “cattle.” The Otay Mesa detention centre, one of California’s largest facilities, stripped him of his personal belongings and subjected him to a routine that felt both oppressive and uncertain. He was forced to adapt to a stark environment where basic necessities, such as clean drinking water, were of questionable quality, and everything from phone calls to hygiene products came at a cost.
Despite holding a valid work permit, Alkhawaja found himself entangled in a legal grey area that often leaves asylum seekers vulnerable. Attorney Sydney Johnson, representing Alkhawaja, emphasised that possessing a work permit does not equate to legal status in the US, a reality that can lead to dire consequences for individuals actively seeking refuge.
A Small Business Owner’s Struggle
Once released from detention, Alkhawaja returned to his coffee shop, where he balances the roles of entrepreneur and asylum seeker. Despite the overwhelming challenges he faces, including the constant pressure of immigration check-ins, he is determined to keep his business thriving. Sands Coffee Roasters, which has expanded to a brick-and-mortar location, serves as a testament to his resilience and commitment to building a life in America.
The support from the local community has been heartening for Alkhawaja. A GoFundMe campaign established in his support has garnered attention, and patrons often visit the shop to express solidarity. “We heard about you and want to tell you this is not right,” they say, reinforcing the notion that he is not alone in his fight.
Yet, Alkhawaja remains acutely aware that his future hinges on the outcome of his immigration proceedings. He has a hearing scheduled for October, a date that looms large in his mind. “It’s as if I’m going to a battlefield,” he mused, reflecting the anxiety that accompanies his visits to immigration officials.
The Broader Context of Immigration Enforcement
Alkhawaja’s story is not an isolated incident but rather a reflection of a broader trend in US immigration enforcement. Since last year, San Diego has witnessed a significant increase in ICE arrests, with over 16,000 removals recorded in the region from January 2025 to April of this year. The climate of fear and uncertainty extends beyond individual cases, as many immigrants face similar struggles amid heightened enforcement actions.
The Department of Homeland Security maintains that immigration officers have the authority to question individuals about their status. However, critics argue that these practices disproportionately affect law-abiding immigrants, forcing them into a state of perpetual anxiety and insecurity.
Why it Matters
Alkhawaja’s experience underscores the complexities and challenges faced by many immigrants in the US, particularly those seeking asylum. His story highlights the often harsh realities of immigration enforcement, which can fracture lives and communities. As the landscape of immigration policy continues to evolve, the implications for individuals like Alkhawaja are profound, raising critical questions about justice, humanity, and the American dream itself.
