Fox News reported that a federal judge appointed during the Biden administration has slammed the brakes on deporting the family of a man suspected in a shocking firebombing attack in Boulder, Colorado.
This emergency ruling, which temporarily shields the wife and five children of Mohamed Soliman from removal by immigration authorities, has ignited fierce debate over border security and sanctuary policies in a state already reeling from Sunday’s violent incident.
The suspect, Mohamed Soliman, an Egyptian national, is under federal investigation for allegedly hurling a Molotov cocktail at a group of pro-Israel supporters in Boulder on Sunday, an act caught on video and swiftly followed by his arrest.
In response to this attack, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) moved quickly to detain Soliman’s wife, Hayem El Gamal, and their five minor children, all of whom have reportedly overstayed their visas.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed their custody in a social media video on Tuesday, stating, “Mohamed's despicable actions will be prosecuted.” She added that authorities are probing whether the family had any knowledge of or role in the horrific incident.
But before ICE could proceed with deportation, a friend of El Gamal, Susanna Dvortsin, sought emergency legal protection, arguing that the family faced immediate removal under the incoming Trump administration without a fair chance to plead their case.
U.S. District Judge Gordon P. Gallagher, based in Colorado, issued a temporary restraining order preventing federal authorities from deporting El Gamal and her children from the state or the country.
Gallagher’s order declared that such an action would cause “irreparable harm” to the family, a decision that’s raised eyebrows among those who prioritize strict immigration enforcement over pending legal claims.
The ruling, which stands until a hearing scheduled for June 13 at the Byron G. Rogers Courthouse in Denver, also mandates Dvortsin to file a supporting legal brief by June 6, with a government response due by June 11.
Adding another layer to this saga, Soliman had already submitted an asylum application on behalf of his family, a fact that now sits at the heart of whether deportation should proceed while their claim remains unresolved.
Critics of progressive immigration policies are pointing fingers at what they see as systemic failures, with Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Colo., blasting Colorado’s approach, saying, “Democrats must stop prioritizing unauthorized migrants over Americans.” His words reflect a growing frustration among conservatives who argue that sanctuary policies enable dangerous outcomes.
Meanwhile, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis’ office has pushed back, asserting that the state isn’t a sanctuary haven and that they were unaware of any threat posed by Soliman prior to the attack, noting that his legal status expired nearly three months ago without federal action.
The governor’s spokesperson emphasized to Fox News Digital that state, federal, and local law enforcement collaborate closely to apprehend criminals regardless of their background, adding that they expect Soliman to face the full weight of the law.
Yet, the timing of the attack has fueled political tensions, as some Democrats in Colorado drew criticism for attending a fundraiser with Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn.—known for her sharp critiques of Israel—mere minutes after the Boulder incident unfolded. While no direct link exists, the optics haven’t helped soothe an already polarized debate.
At the end of the day, this case underscores a broader clash over immigration enforcement and public safety, where every decision seems to carry the weight of a nation watching—and waiting to see if justice and security can coexist without one undermining the other.
