Help a Refugee Fight for His Freedom
A Palestinian man who built a life the right way now faces illegal detention
His Story
A 30-year-old Palestinian man fled a war zone in 2023, seeking safety and the chance to build a better life. He didn’t come to America looking for handouts—he came looking for opportunity.
After entering the United States and explaining his asylum case, he was released by the government with proper documentation. He followed every rule. He did everything right. He obtained legal work authorization, a Social Security number, and a Real ID. He checked in with immigration authorities as required. He built a thriving locksmith business from scratch, earning hundreds of five-star reviews from satisfied customers across San Diego.
He’s been striving to learn English, invested in his professional development, and became a productive member of his community. He paid his rent on time, helped strangers in need, and embodied the American dream through hard work and integrity.
Then, in January 2025, ICE illegally detained him.
Despite having proper documentation and following all legal processes, he was taken into custody. An immigration judge confirmed he has a clean record, poses no flight risk, and is not a danger to society—yet he remains detained due to recent changes in immigration law that stripped the judge of jurisdiction over his case.
Who He Really Is
Those who know him describe him as a man of exceptional character:
- Selfless: Despite his own financial struggles, he has paid for strangers’ hotel rooms when they had nowhere to go
- Hardworking: Built a successful locksmith business through determination and skill
- Honest: Never missed a check-in, never broke a rule, always did what was required
- Kind: Puts others’ needs before his own, shares what little he has
- Determined: Taught himself a trade and has been striving to learn English while navigating a complex legal system
He represents everything we claim to value: hard work, integrity, compassion, and the courage to build a better life against all odds.
What Happened
Despite doing everything legally and having proper work authorization, he was detained by ICE in circumstances that even the immigration judge recognized as problematic. Due to retroactive changes in immigration law, the judge who acknowledged his clean record and low flight risk was stripped of the authority to release him on bond.
Now, he must pursue his freedom through federal court—a process that requires significant legal fees and could take weeks or months while he sits in detention, unable to work or continue building the life he fought so hard to create.
Why This Matters
He didn’t want to ask for help. Palestinians carry deep pride and don’t seek handouts. But this situation isn’t about charity—it’s about justice.
When someone follows every rule, works hard, contributes to society, and still faces detention because of bureaucratic complications and retroactive law changes, we cannot let them face that battle alone.
This is about standing up for what’s right.
How You Can Help
We’re raising funds to cover his legal fees for his bond hearing, federal court case, and asylum proceedings. Every dollar goes directly toward:
- Bond hearing representation: $3,500 (completed)
- Federal habeas petition: $7,500 (secured attorney at discounted rate)
- Asylum case representation: $7,000
- Potential appeals if needed: $7,500+
- Total estimated legal costs: $25,500+
Your contribution will help ensure he has strong legal representation to fight for his freedom and the life he’s worked so hard to build.
Ways to Donate
All donations go directly to legal fees. Any amount helps—$10, $50, $100, or whatever you can contribute makes a difference.
A Message from His Sponsor
“I’ve known this man for nearly two years. He’s lived with me, worked alongside me, and become like a brother to me. I’ve witnessed his character firsthand—his generosity, his work ethic, his unwavering integrity.
He didn’t want this fundraiser. He’s proud and doesn’t like asking for help. But sometimes good people face unjust circumstances, and when that happens, we don’t let them stand alone.
If you believe in justice, hard work, and giving people who’ve done everything right a fair chance—please consider helping.
Thank you.”
— Abraham Al-baba
CEO, 3 in 1 Elite
San Diego, CA
Transparency & Updates
We will provide regular updates on his case as it progresses through federal court. All funds raised will be used exclusively for legal representation and related case expenses.
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