My name is Jen Drury, a local small business owner and advocate in my community, here in North San Diego County. When we see injustice, it's crucial that we speak up. This GoFundMe has been created to support a community member who has been treated unfairly during what appears to be an unlawful detainment by ICE.

My friend Dr. Assim Alkhawaja was detained by ICE agents while working his side rideshare job in Oceanside on February 16th. Today (2/24/26) is now day #9 and we have high hopes that he will be released from the Otay Mesa Detention Center today following his immigration bond hearing and the requirement to put forth a 10k bond.

As confirmed by the judge during his bail immigration hearing (in which I personally attended), Dr. Assim Alkhawaja originally came to the United States legally on a Visa. Despite having a valid work permit, an ongoing citizenship case, and NO criminal record, he was treated as a threat rather than the contributing citizen he is. As family and friends we are incredulous that a dedicated professional, while in the middle of a routine workday could be so abruptly removed from his life, business, friends and family.

Dr. Assim Alkhawaja is a businessman/entrepreneur, previously owning businesses abroad and now a small family-owned coffee trailer in Oceanside. I’ve known Dr. Assim Alkhawaja for nearly 2 years. Like everyone who knows him, I’ve always been struck by his kindness that exudes from his smile, his level of refined professionalism in the way he carries himself, the depths of his collegiate studies/intellectual knowledge, along with his strong work ethic.

His detention doesn't just stall a career; it halts the progress of a local business and the dream of his family’s upcoming brick-and-mortar coffee shop, affecting our local economy and employees.

I’ve created this fundraiser because Dr. Assim Alkhawaja shouldn't have to face the stress of upcoming legal fees as well as personal and business bills alone.

Link to local NBC7 news article: rideshare driver detained by ICE

Transparency Note: All funds raised here will go directly toward Dr. Assim Alkhawaja's legal defense and supporting his personal/business family needs during this difficult time. I will be working closely with the Alkhawaja family to ensure every dollar gets to them as quickly as possible.