The family of Mohamed Soliman, the Egyptian national under investigation for the Boulder firebombing attack, has been temporarily shielded from deportation following an emergency ruling by a Biden-appointed federal judge. U.S. District Judge Gordon P. Gallagher issued the temporary restraining order, which prevents immigration authorities from removing Soliman’s wife, Hayem El Gamal, and their five minor children from the U.S. The court ruling, which remains in effect until a hearing on June 13, was based on the claim that deportation would cause ‘irreparable harm’ to the family. This marks a significant development in the case, which has become a focal point in the ongoing debate over immigration policy and national security.
The decision was prompted by El Gamal’s friend, Susanna Dvortsin, who sought emergency legal protection for the family, fearing they would be deported without the chance to present their asylum case in court. The judge agreed, citing the need to prevent ‘irreparable harm’ to the family. Dvortsin must submit a supporting legal brief by June 6, with government attorneys required to respond by June 11. The case raises difficult questions about the balance between enforcing immigration laws and protecting the rights of individuals seeking asylum, particularly when family members are under criminal investigation.
Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had taken the family into federal custody. In a social media post, Noem stated that the suspect’s actions would be prosecuted fully, but the family’s potential involvement in the crime is under investigation. The Boulder attack has intensified political tensions, with Republicans in Colorado and Washington accusing Democrats of failing to enforce immigration laws adequately, claiming that sanctuary policies have allowed criminal activity to flourish. Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Colo., criticized the Biden administration’s approach, arguing that ‘failed sanctuary states’ like Colorado and California have contributed to the crisis.
However, Governor Jared Polis’ office has denied any prior knowledge of threats from the suspect, emphasizing that Colorado is not a sanctuary state and that federal and state law enforcement collaborate closely. The spokesperson for Polis’ office clarified that there were no requests from federal agencies to deport Soliman, and if there had been, the state would have cooperated. The case has also drawn attention to the broader controversy surrounding the attendance of some Democrats at a fundraiser with Rep. Ilhan Omar, who has faced scrutiny for her past anti-Semitic remarks and criticism of Israel, just 30 minutes after the attack.