A rideshare driver from Oceanside who has been working to open a small coffee business in San Diego County was detained by immigration agents last week while dropping a passenger at the Camp Pendleton gate — despite having a valid work permit and no criminal history, his family said.

Assim Alkhawaja, a doctoral student who came to the United States to pursue his dream of opening a coffee shop, was flagged when he presented his work permit to military personnel at the base entrance. His sister Arwa Alkhawaja, a U.S. citizen, said he told her: "ICE got me." He was transported to the Otay Mesa Detention Center.

Alkhawaja had studied human rights abroad and sold businesses in his home country to build a coffee trailer operation called Sands Coffee Roasters, which was one inspection away from opening a permanent storefront. He picked up rideshare driving to cover expenses while the business came together.

ICE did not respond to questions about the case. San Diego County Court records showed no criminal cases against him. At a bond hearing, an immigration judge ruled that Alkhawaja posed no danger to the community and was not a flight risk, granting release on $10,000 bond. His family said they were told to wait for paperwork before paying.

"He's like, 'Let's be hopeful, Arwa. That dream is going to come true,'" his sister told NBC 7.