Key Takeaways
• Mohamed Sabry Soliman attacked pro-Israeli demonstrators on June 1, 2025, injuring 12 with incendiary devices.
• Soliman’s family detained by ICE and faces expedited removal amid White House threats of deportation.
• Expedited removal allows quick deportation without full hearings, targeting Soliman’s family linked to his visa overstay.
The Boulder Attack: White House Targets Suspect’s Family with Deportation Threat
On June 1, 2025, a violent attack shook Boulder, Colorado, when Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian immigrant, allegedly assaulted a group of pro-Israeli demonstrators at Pearl Street Mall. Using Molotov cocktails and what police described as a makeshift flamethrower, Soliman reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” as he carried out the attack. The incident left 12 people, aged 52 to 88, with burn injuries. Two victims remained hospitalized as of June 3, 2025.
This event has not only led to criminal charges against Soliman but has also triggered a sweeping immigration enforcement response from the White House. The administration’s actions, including public threats of deportation against Soliman’s family, have sparked national debate about immigration policy, due process, and the rights of families connected to criminal suspects.
Who Is Mohamed Sabry Soliman?
Mohamed Sabry Soliman arrived in the United States 🇺🇸 on a B2 tourist visa in 2022, landing in California. His visa expired in February 2023, but he stayed in the country while seeking asylum. Before coming to the United States 🇺🇸, Soliman was born in Egypt 🇪🇬 and lived in Kuwait for 17 years. He moved to Colorado Springs three years ago.
According to court documents, Soliman told law enforcement that he planned the Boulder attack for about a year. He waited until after his daughter’s high school graduation on May 29, 2025, before carrying out the assault. Now, he faces a long list of charges:
- 16 counts of attempted murder
- 18 counts related to incendiary devices
- Federal hate crime charges
If convicted of attempted murder alone, Soliman could face up to 384 years in prison. A conviction on federal hate crime charges could mean a life sentence.
White House and DHS Response: Family Targeted for Deportation
Just two days after the Boulder attack, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had detained Soliman’s wife and five children. The family is being processed for expedited removal, a fast-track deportation process that allows the government to remove certain non-citizens without a full hearing before an immigration judge.
The White House made its stance clear through a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account: “Six One-way Tickets for Mohamed’s Five Kids. Final Board Call Coming.” This message, widely seen as a direct threat, signaled the administration’s intent to deport the entire family.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this approach, posting: “In light of yesterday’s horrific attack, all terrorists, their family members, and terrorist sympathizers here on a visa should know that under the Trump Administration we will find you, revoke your visa, and deport you.”
What Is Expedited Removal?
Expedited removal is a process that allows immigration officers to quickly deport certain non-citizens who are in the United States 🇺🇸 without proper documents or who have overstayed their visas. People subject to expedited removal usually do not get a hearing before an immigration judge unless they claim asylum or express fear of returning to their home country. More information about expedited removal can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
In this case, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is using expedited removal to process Soliman’s wife and children. The family’s exact immigration status is unclear, but their connection to Soliman, who overstayed his visa, has placed them under scrutiny.
The Family’s Current Situation
As of June 4, 2025, Soliman’s family remains in ICE custody. Despite the White House’s message suggesting immediate deportation, there has been no official confirmation that the family has been removed from the United States 🇺🇸.
After Soliman’s arrest, his wife was seen leaving their Colorado Springs home and bringing his cellphone to the local police department. Soliman reportedly left messages for his family on the phone. Court documents suggest the family has cooperated with law enforcement, but this cooperation may not be enough to stop their deportation.
DHS officials are investigating whether Soliman’s family knew about or helped with the attack. The outcome of this investigation could affect whether the family is allowed to stay or is deported.
Legal and Policy Background: A Shift in Immigration Enforcement
The actions against Soliman’s family reflect the Trump administration’s broader immigration enforcement priorities since January 2025. Key policy changes include:
- Executive orders focusing on stricter border control and tougher screening of visa applicants
- Challenges to birthright citizenship
- Suspension of refugee admissions
- Aggressive deportation goals targeting about one million immigrants per year
These policies mark a sharp change from the previous administration. The current approach is much tougher, especially toward families of people labeled as security threats. Secretary Rubio’s statement about targeting “terrorists, their family members, and terrorist sympathizers” highlights this new direction.
Legal Questions and Concerns
The detention and possible deportation of Soliman’s family raises important legal questions. While the government has broad power to enforce immigration laws, punishing family members who may not have been involved in or aware of a crime brings up concerns about fairness and due process.
The New York City Bar Association has noted that some of the administration’s immigration actions “test the limits of executive power.” There have already been controversial cases, such as U.S. citizen children being deported with their undocumented parents.
For example, earlier this year, three U.S. citizen children were deported to Honduras with their mothers after routine check-ins with immigration authorities. One of these children, a 4-year-old boy with Stage 4 cancer, was removed without his medication or access to medical care. These cases show the possible humanitarian problems that can come from aggressive enforcement.
Public and Political Reaction
The Boulder attack and the White House’s response have fueled the ongoing national debate about immigration. President Trump commented, “This is yet another example of why we must keep our Borders SECURE, and deport Illegal, Anti-American Radicals from our Homeland.”
The Department of Homeland Security has used the attack to promote its new ICE tip line, urging Americans to report suspicious activity by undocumented immigrants, including possible terrorist acts, gang crimes, and sex trafficking.
FBI Director Kash Patel called the Boulder attack a terror act, and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said it “appears to be a hate crime given the group that was targeted.” FBI Special Agent Mark Michaelik added, “Attacks like this are becoming too common across the country.”
Next Steps: Legal Proceedings and Family Fate
Soliman is scheduled for a “return of filing” hearing on June 5, 2025, in Boulder County Courtroom CJ. This hearing will formally present the charges related to the June 1 attack. He was also set to appear in federal court in Denver on June 3.
The legal process against Soliman is expected to take months. However, the fate of his family could be decided much sooner if the expedited removal process moves forward as DHS officials have suggested.
Broader Implications for Immigration Policy
This case highlights several key trends in current immigration policy:
- Expanded expedited removal: The administration has widened the use of expedited removal nationwide, making it easier to deport people who overstay visas or lack proper documents.
- Ending humanitarian protections: There are plans to end parole and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for several nationalities, reducing options for people fleeing danger.
- Promoting voluntary departure: New measures encourage people to leave the United States 🇺🇸 on their own before facing formal removal.
- Rolling back humanitarian pathways: The administration is undoing programs that allowed more people to stay in the country for humanitarian reasons.
The targeting of family members in the Boulder attack case may signal a new policy of holding families responsible for the actions of one member. This is a major change and raises questions about fairness and the proper limits of immigration enforcement.
What Is Expedited Removal and Who Is Affected?
Expedited removal is a process used by immigration officers to quickly deport certain non-citizens who are in the United States 🇺🇸 without proper documents or who have overstayed their visas. People who are subject to expedited removal usually do not get a hearing before an immigration judge unless they claim asylum or express fear of returning to their home country.
This process can affect:
- People who entered the United States 🇺🇸 without inspection (crossed the border without permission)
- People who overstayed their visas and are found within two years of entry
- People who cannot prove they have been in the United States 🇺🇸 for more than two years
In the case of Soliman’s family, their connection to someone accused of a serious crime and their unclear immigration status have made them targets for expedited removal.
Due Process and Humanitarian Concerns
The use of expedited removal and the targeting of family members raise concerns about due process—the right to fair treatment under the law. Critics argue that deporting family members who may not have known about or helped with a crime is unfair and could violate their rights.
Humanitarian groups have also raised alarms about the impact on children and families. Deporting children, especially those who are U.S. citizens or have special needs, can cause lasting harm. The case of the 4-year-old boy with cancer who was deported earlier this year is a stark example.
Stakeholder Implications
For immigrants: This case shows the risks faced by families of people accused of serious crimes, even if they had no involvement. It also highlights the importance of keeping immigration status up to date and seeking legal help if facing removal.
For employers and communities: Aggressive enforcement actions can create fear and uncertainty, especially in immigrant communities. Employers may lose workers, and families may be separated.
For policymakers: The Boulder attack and the White House’s response may shape future immigration laws and enforcement priorities. The case is likely to influence debates about how to balance security with fairness and humanitarian values.
What Happens Next?
- Soliman’s criminal case: The legal process will continue, with hearings and possible trials in state and federal courts.
- Family’s immigration case: The family’s fate may be decided quickly through expedited removal, unless they can show they qualify for asylum or another form of relief.
- Policy debate: The case will likely fuel ongoing debates about immigration enforcement, due process, and the rights of families.
Practical Guidance for Immigrants
If you or your family members are facing immigration enforcement actions:
- Seek legal help immediately: Contact a qualified immigration attorney or a trusted nonprofit organization.
- Know your rights: You have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer. Do not sign any documents you do not understand.
- Keep documents safe: Gather and keep copies of important documents, such as visas, passports, and proof of time spent in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Stay informed: Follow updates from official sources, such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), for the latest information on immigration laws and procedures.
Conclusion
The Boulder attack involving Mohamed Sabry Soliman has led to a strong response from the White House, including public threats of deportation against his family. The case highlights the current administration’s tough approach to immigration enforcement, especially toward families of people accused of serious crimes. It also raises important questions about due process, fairness, and the humanitarian impact of aggressive enforcement.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this situation is a clear example of how immigration policy can have life-changing effects on families and communities. The outcome of Soliman’s case, and the fate of his family, will likely influence immigration debates and policies for years to come.
For more information about expedited removal and your rights, visit the USCIS Expedited Removal page. If you or someone you know is affected by similar actions, seek legal help as soon as possible to protect your rights and explore your options.
Learn Today
Expedited Removal → A fast-track immigration process to deport certain non-citizens without a full court hearing unless asylum is claimed.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, responsible for enforcing immigration laws and detaining unauthorized immigrants.
Federal Hate Crime Charges → Criminal charges against acts motivated by bias against race, religion, or nationality under U.S. law.
B2 Tourist Visa → A U.S. non-immigrant visa for temporary travel for tourism or visiting family.
Due Process → Legal principle guaranteeing fair treatment and hearings before government actions affect individual rights.
This Article in a Nutshell
On June 1, 2025, an attack in Boulder by Mohamed Sabry Soliman sparked a harsh White House reaction targeting his family for deportation through expedited removal policies.
— By VisaVerge.com
