The beneficiary of this fundraiser is Murad Shehadeh, Karim's uncle. After Karim was detained by ICE on April 21, 2026, his family contacted the LUCE hotline and they were connected with the Greater Quincy Area LUCE hub for additional support. At his family's request, the Greater Quincy Area LUCE Hub started this fundraiser to raise money for Karim's release from ICE custody and support his family with Karim's medical expenses and legal fees.

Karim, 23 years old, came to the US on a student visa to study computer science in pursuit of a better life not only for himself, but also for his family. Last fall, due to financial difficulties, Karim made the difficult decision to withdraw from his computer science program, leading to his student visa becoming invalid. Shortly after, in October 2025, Karim was involved in an accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) requiring immediate surgery. Unfortunately, since sustaining a TBI, Karim's life has changed drastically. Not only has his TBI affected his short term memory, but it has also had a significant impact on his overall physical wellbeing.

On top of the trauma of his TBI and the stress that has come from this injury, Karim and his family continue to live in fear of detention and deportation by ICE. While detained, Karim was held in the Burlington ICE Office in isolation under inhumane conditions, including being left without food or water for nearly 24 hours. Even without a severe medical condition, such treatment is absolutely unacceptable.

On April 29, 2026, Karim was granted bond for the amount of $20,000. Thanks to your support, Karim was released from ICE custody. Now, his family and loved ones must support him through his upcoming surgery on May 18, 2026. Your donation will also support Karim's family in covering immigration attorney legal fees.

How you can continue to support Karim and his family