Rising Fear Among Latino Communities
Dr. Wafaa Alrashid, a chief medical officer at Huntington Hospital in the Los Angeles area, has noticed a significant drop in patient attendance at her clinic. This decline is attributed to the widespread fear among the Latino population due to increased immigration raids. As an immigrant herself, Dr. Alrashid understands the anxiety that these raids have caused. Her husband, Rami Othmane, a Tunisian singer and classical musician, has been deeply affected by the situation.
Othmane, who has lived in the U.S. for over a decade, was recently arrested during a routine stop while driving to a grocery store in Pasadena. Despite showing his documents to federal immigration agents, he was ordered to step out of the car. Dr. Alrashid watched the arrest unfold via FaceTime, witnessing the moment her husband was taken into custody.
The Trump administration’s aggressive stance on immigration has led to the detention of not only undocumented immigrants but also legal permanent residents like Othmane, who holds a green card. In some cases, even U.S. citizens have been arrested. The situation has escalated to the point where asylum-seekers are being detained in court hallways as the White House pushes forward with its plans for mass deportations.
Othmane had been in the U.S. since 2015 and overstayed his visa. However, his deportation order was dismissed in 2020. He married Dr. Alrashid in March 2025 and immediately filed for a green card. Despite this, he was still arrested and taken to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in downtown Los Angeles.
Conditions in Detention Facilities
According to Dr. Alrashid, the conditions at the ICE facility were extremely harsh. Othmane was placed in a freezing cold room with no beds, pillows, blankets, soap, or toothbrushes. The bathroom was left open, making it difficult for detainees to maintain privacy. Despite these conditions, Othmane showed compassion, offering a sweater he received from Dr. Alrashid to another detainee. He also constructed a makeshift barrier around the toilet using trash bags to give others some privacy.
The Department of Homeland Security acknowledged the expiration of Othmane’s tourist visa but did not address the dismissal of his deportation order in 2020 or his pending green card application. The agency denied any allegations of mistreatment, stating that ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in custody is a top priority.
Community Response and Resistance
Othmane has contributed significantly to the community through his performances of classical Arabic music across Southern California. Dr. Alrashid recalls their first meeting when he was performing at a restaurant. She described him as one of the kindest people she knows, highlighting his generosity and kindness towards others.
More than a week after his arrest, a rally was held outside the detention facility. Musicians, immigration advocates, and activists gathered to show support. Classical Arabic music was performed, with drumming loud enough for detainees inside to hear. Spanish-language musicians also participated, emphasizing the cultural significance of bringing music to those in captivity.
Pablo Alvarado, co-executive director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, explained that in Latin American culture, serenading people is an act of love and kindness. In this context, it also serves as an act of resistance against the current situation.
Ongoing Struggles and Hope
Dr. Alrashid was anxious during the days following the arrest, as she had not received her daily call from Othmane. She was also informed that she could not visit him at the facility. Eventually, she received a call from him, during which he mentioned that he had been moved to an immigration detention facility in Arizona and that his left leg was swollen.
She urged him to seek medical attention, suggesting an ultrasound to avoid further complications. Dr. Alrashid is currently working to secure his release on bail while his case is processed. A procedural hearing took place, and a bail bond hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
Until then, she will continue waiting for his next phone call, hoping for positive news and a resolution to this challenging situation.
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