Assim Alkhawaja
ON THE RECORD · 8 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“I keep questioning myself,”
Assim Alkhawaja · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21
Assim Alkhawaja reflected on his situation while waiting outside the San Diego courthouse with an ICE ankle monitor.
“That’s what I thought,”
Assim Alkhawaja · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21
Assim Alkhawaja recalled his initial expectations when applying for asylum in the United States.
“The process of transferring the detainee is really unhuman.”
Assim Alkhawaja · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21
Assim Alkhawaja criticized the harsh conditions under which detainees are transferred between facilities.
“We switch, we have to survive.”
Assim Alkhawaja · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21
Assim Alkhawaja spoke about shifting between different roles to cope with his immigration ordeal.
“We’re like cattle, animals,”
Assim Alkhawaja · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21
Assim Alkhawaja described the dehumanizing conditions detainees experience at the Otay Mesa facility.
“I’m more confident here,”
Assim Alkhawaja · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21
Assim Alkhawaja described feeling more at ease working at his coffee business than attending immigration check-ins.
“It was as if I assassinated the president,”
Assim Alkhawaja · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21
Assim Alkhawaja recounted how intensely restrained he was upon being arrested by ICE agents.
“That I would be considered a good immigrant.”
Assim Alkhawaja · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21
Assim Alkhawaja reflected on assuming authorities would view him favorably due to his business and education.