Help Free Ali Ghafouri: Urgent Legal Aid Needed

Hello, my name is Vanessa Ghafouri and I am starting a GoFundMe on behalf of my beloved Dad, Ali Ghafouri. I am the eldest of his four children. I’m 31 years old, my sister Ashley is 29, my little brother Ali (Jr) is 17, and the baby of the family is Kobe who is only 14. My siblings and I have been the center of his world since the day we were born. We were all born and raised in San Diego, CA. He has always put us first and has done everything in his power to give us a better life. He provided us with the tools and opportunities, ones that he unfortunately never had. At our age, my sister and I are capable of taking care of ourselves, but my brothers are minors and my Dad has always had full custody and guardianship of them both. Our Dad is the main provider and supporter for my brothers. He has been the only consistent, stable, and reliable parent they have ever known. Although they are becoming young men, they continuously look to our Dad for support and guidance.

On May 15, 2025, my Dad went to his annual routine check-in for his immigration appointment and was detained. When he asked his Immigration Officer, "What did I do?" the Officer replied, "Nothing, this is a result of the Trump Administration." For the last 22 years, our Dad has never had any issues at his annual check-ins. He was detained that day and we were left with nothing but questions and confusion. We are now at the 6-week mark and the details regarding their intentions for his future plans have not been disclosed to us. We are trying to raise money for an Immigration Lawyer.

In 1984, my grandparents fled Iran (where my father was born), relinquishing all their possessions and moved to the United States with just the clothes on their backs to provide a better life and future for my Dad and Aunt, who at that time were only 11 years old and 7 years old. No parent should ever have to uproot their kids from the only life that they’ve ever known, but they did what was best for their family. In 1989, my family got their U.S. green cards through political asylum. My Dad has lived in San Diego, California for over 40 years and this is where he calls home.

My Dad is a very hardworking man, the most selfless person I know, a very loving and giving son, brother, fiancé, father of 4, and now even a wonderful grandfather. If you know my Dad personally, you will know that family means everything to him. Those who know Ali know that he has the biggest heart and is constantly assisting others. He loves his family and friends deeply, unconditionally, and is always there when you need him. His absence has been painful and left a void for all his family and friends.

We know times are tough for everyone, but my Dad is still detained and we are scrambling to secure legal assistance to fight for his freedom urgently. We are trying to raise up to $15,000 to cover the following items:

- Immigration attorney fees

- Bond (if granted)

Honestly, even a small donation would mean the world to our family in bringing my Dad home. We understand if you are unable to make a monetary donation, but we would even appreciate it if you could like, repost, and share this GoFundMe page to spread awareness. Thank you to all those who supported and contributed in some type of way.

Sending you all love and gratitude.

- The Ghafouri Family