A familiar face in North County’s small business community remains at the center of an immigration case that has sparked concern among customers, fellow entrepreneurs, and advocates across the region. Assim Alkhawaja, founder of Sands Coffee Roasters in Oceanside, was detained by ICE on February 16 while working a rideshare shift, according to family members and supporters. Alkhawaja has been building his coffee concept in North County for the past several years, operating a trailer and preparing to transition into a brick-and-mortar location later this year.
According to previous reporting, Alkhawaja was stopped while dropping off a passenger at Camp Pendleton and later taken into custody. His family has stated that he has no criminal history and holds a valid work permit while his immigration case is pending. He has been working as a rideshare driver to help subsidize the buildout and opening of his coffee company storefront. Reports claim that an immigration judge determined he was not a danger to the community and not a flight risk, setting bond at $10,000.
Alkhawaja was released from custody at approximately 10pm on Tuesday, February 24, after posting bond, according to fundraiser organizer Jen Drury. His release came after roughly eight days in detention at the Otay Mesa Detention Center. Drury claims it took a day and a half after posting bond for Alkhawaja to be released, and he was "dropped off in the middle of nowhere."
He will now continue through the immigration court process while out on bond. Supporters say he remains subject to monitoring requirements as his case proceeds. Alkhawaja forwarded photos showing an ankle tracking monitor on his ankle.
The detention prompted community members to launch a GoFundMe campaign to assist with legal expenses and business costs during his time in custody. The fundraiser describes Alkhawaja as having originally entered the United States legally on a visa and currently maintaining an active immigration case. As of publication, the campaign has raised $4,000 toward its stated goal.
Beyond the legal process, the situation has had immediate ripple effects for his business. Sands Coffee Roasters has been preparing to debut its first permanent storefront in Oceanside after building a following through its coffee trailer, known for Turkish-style brews and specialty drinks. Supporters argue the detention temporarily stalled momentum for a small, locally rooted operation that was nearing a significant milestone.
While Alkhawaja is now back with his family after eight days in custody, the outcome of his pending immigration case will ultimately determine whether his long-planned storefront, and his continued presence in San Diego’s small business community, move forward as envisioned.
For more information and to donate to Alkhawaja's cause, visit the "Stand with Dr. Assim Alkhawaja" GoFundMe Campaign.
Originally published on February 27, 2026.
