The wife and five children of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national accused of firebombing pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado, have been taken into federal custody and their visas revoked. Sources confirm that the family was taken into immigration custody and processed for expedited removal as part of a broader national security investigation. This action underscores the government’s heightened focus on addressing threats to public safety, particularly from individuals connected to alleged terrorist activities.
According to senior officials at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the family of Soliman, who is accused of throwing a glass bottle that exploded in a crowd, has been detained. The Department of State confirmed the revocation of all visas for the family, with a senior official stating that the decision aligns with the administration’s goal of removing suspected terrorists and their relatives from the country. “The Secretary did exactly what he said he would — support the administration’s objective of getting terrorists and their family members out of America,” the official said in a statement.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has initiated an investigation to determine the extent of the family’s knowledge regarding the alleged attack, emphasizing that any potential involvement could lead to further legal action. In a recent statement on X, Noem said, “Mohamed’s despicable actions will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, but we’re also investigating to what extent his family knew about this horrific attack. If they had any knowledge of it or if they provided any support to it,” she said.
Soliman, who overstayed his visa and was granted work authorization under the Biden administration, arrived in the U.S. on August 27, 2022, through a non-immigrant visa, which allowed him to stay until February 2, 2023. Despite filing for an extension, he remained in the country and was later granted work authorization, valid until this year. However, on June 1, he allegedly targeted a peaceful pro-Israel demonstration, throwing a glass bottle that exploded, causing significant injuries but no fatalities.
The severity of the charges against Soliman is underscored by the potential for a lengthy prison sentence. Judicial District Attorney Michael Dougherty has outlined that Soliman faces 16 counts of attempted first-degree murder—eight for attempted murder with intent and deliberation, and eight for attempted murder with extreme indifference. If all charges are upheld and served consecutively, the maximum possible prison time could exceed 384 years. Additionally, he faces charges related to the use and possession of incendiary devices, which could add another 48 to 192 years to his potential sentence if all convictions are consecutive.
His next court appearance is scheduled for June 5 at 3:30 p.m. MT. The case has sparked discussions about the broader implications of visa overstays, legal protections for immigrants, and the role of national security in immigration enforcement. Critics and supporters of the administration’s actions have weighed in, with some expressing concern over the impact on families and others emphasizing the need to protect public safety from potential threats.
The incident has also raised questions about the extent of radicalization among immigrants and the effectiveness of current screening processes. The retired FBI agent who commented on the case suggests that the authorities are investigating whether Soliman was influenced by extremist ideologies, highlighting the complex intersection between immigration policy and national security concerns. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case remains a focal point for debates on immigration, terrorism, and the balance between public safety and individual rights.