Key Takeaways
• A judge temporarily blocked deportation of Mohamed Sabry Soliman’s wife and five children on June 4, 2025.
• Soliman allegedly attacked Boulder demonstration with Molotov cocktails, injuring 15, after overstaying his visa and seeking asylum.
• Federal agencies plan stricter enforcement on visa overstays amid political debate on immigration policies and public safety.
On June 4, 2025, a federal judge temporarily stopped the deportation of the wife and five children of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the Egyptian man accused of carrying out the Boulder attack at a demonstration in Colorado. This decision came just one day after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained the family, raising urgent questions about immigration law, asylum claims, and the rights of families caught up in high-profile criminal cases.
What Happened in Boulder?
The Boulder attack took place on June 1, 2025, at the Pearl Street pedestrian mall, a busy area in Boulder, Colorado. That day, a group called “Run for Their Lives” was holding a demonstration to call for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. This group has gathered every week for over a year to raise awareness about the hostages.
During the demonstration, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian citizen, allegedly attacked the crowd using Molotov cocktails—homemade firebombs—and what police described as a “makeshift flamethrower.” According to police reports, Soliman had prepared 18 Molotov cocktails but only threw two. Witnesses say he shouted “Free Palestine” and “End Zionist” as he attacked. Soliman later told police he stopped because he got scared and had never hurt anyone before.
The attack injured 15 people, including eight women and seven men, ranging in age from 25 to 88. Among the injured was an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor. Even a dog was hurt in the chaos. The violence shocked the Boulder community and quickly drew national attention.
Who Is Mohamed Sabry Soliman?
Soliman arrived in the United States 🇺🇸 in 2022 on a non-immigrant visa, which is a temporary visa for people visiting, studying, or working in the country for a limited time. His visa expired in 2023, but he filed for asylum the same year, asking for protection in the United States 🇺🇸 because he feared returning to Egypt 🇪🇬. Since his visa expired, Soliman has been living in the country without legal status.
The Family’s Immigration Status
Soliman’s family—his wife, 18-year-old daughter, two minor sons, and two minor daughters—are all Egyptian citizens. According to sources cited by Fox News, they also overstayed their visas. However, Soliman had already submitted an asylum application for his family, which means their request for protection was still being considered by immigration authorities.
On June 3, 2025, ICE detained the family and began processing them for expedited removal. Expedited removal is a process that allows the government to deport people who are in the country illegally without a court hearing, especially if they have recently arrived or have no valid claim to stay.
Judge Blocks Deportation—For Now
After ICE detained the family, they quickly filed a legal challenge to stop their deportation. On June 4, U.S. District Judge Gordon P. Gallagher, who was appointed by President Biden, issued a temporary order blocking the deportation. The judge’s decision means the family cannot be removed from the United States 🇺🇸 until the court reviews their case more closely.
The main legal question is whether the government can deport the family while their asylum claim is still pending. Asylum is a form of protection for people who fear persecution in their home country because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. U.S. law says that people with pending asylum claims usually have the right to stay in the country until their case is decided.
Did the Family Know About the Attack?
One of the most serious questions in this case is whether Soliman’s family knew about his plan to attack the demonstration or if they helped him in any way. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said that authorities are investigating if the family had any knowledge of the attack or provided support.
However, court documents show that Soliman told police no one, including his family, knew about his plan. FBI Special Agent in Charge Mike Michalek said at a news conference that the family has been cooperative with investigators. After Soliman’s arrest, his wife even took his iPhone to the Colorado Springs Police Department, which officials saw as a sign of cooperation.
What Happens Next for the Family?
The judge’s order is only temporary. The court will need to decide if the family’s asylum claim is strong enough to let them stay in the United States 🇺🇸 or if they can be deported under expedited removal rules. The family’s lawyers will likely argue that deporting them before their asylum claim is heard would violate their rights under U.S. immigration law.
If the court finds that the family’s asylum claim is valid, they may be allowed to stay in the country while their case moves forward. If not, they could be deported to Egypt 🇪🇬. The outcome will depend on the evidence presented and how the judge interprets the law.
Broader Policy Changes After the Boulder Attack
The Boulder attack and the arrest of Soliman’s family have led to calls for tougher immigration enforcement, especially against people who overstay their visas. Secretary Noem announced that federal authorities will immediately crack down on visa overstays. On June 4, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), ICE, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said they would increase efforts to find and remove people who are in the country illegally after their visas expire.
Secretary Noem made a strong statement: “There is NO room in the United States 🇺🇸 for the rest of the world’s terrorist sympathizers. Anyone who thinks they can come to America and advocate for antisemitic violence and terrorism – think again. You are not welcome here. We will find you, deport you, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
This new focus on visa overstays could affect thousands of people living in the United States 🇺🇸 who have not renewed their visas or who are waiting for their asylum cases to be decided.
Political Debate Over Immigration Enforcement
The Boulder attack and the deportation case have sparked a heated political debate. Some Republican lawmakers blame what they call “sanctuary policies” for allowing people like Soliman to remain in the country. Rep. Gabe Evans, a Republican from Colorado, said, “This is a direct result of failed sanctuary states like Colorado and California. For the sake of our state, Democrats MUST stop putting illegals ahead of Americans. There are lives on the line.”
In response, Colorado Governor Jared Polis’s office said that Colorado is not a sanctuary state. The governor’s spokesperson explained that state, federal, and local law enforcement work together to catch criminals, no matter where they are from. The spokesperson also said there had been no requests from federal law enforcement about Soliman, and if there had been, “the state would have eagerly cooperated.”
This back-and-forth shows how immigration enforcement remains a deeply political issue, especially when high-profile crimes are involved.
Legal Proceedings Against Soliman
Mohamed Sabry Soliman faces serious criminal charges. He has been charged with federal hate crimes and state charges of attempted murder for the Boulder attack. He is expected to appear in federal court on June 6, 2025. He will also have a “return of filing” hearing in Boulder County, where the charges from the June 1 assault will be formally filed.
According to an FBI affidavit, Soliman told police he wanted “to kill all Zionist people” and showed no remorse for the attack. These statements are likely to play a major role in the criminal case against him.
Community Response in Boulder
The Boulder community has been deeply shaken by the attack. On June 4, a vigil was held at the local Jewish community center to support those affected. People have also set up a makeshift memorial outside the Boulder County courthouse to honor the victims.
Community leaders and residents have called for unity and support for those hurt in the attack. The event has also sparked conversations about safety, hate crimes, and the role of immigration policy in preventing violence.
How Does Expedited Removal Work?
Expedited removal is a process that lets immigration officers quickly deport people who are in the United States 🇺🇸 illegally, without a court hearing. This process is usually used for people who have recently arrived in the country or who have no valid claim to stay.
However, people who say they are afraid to return to their home country can ask for asylum. If they do, they must be given a “credible fear interview” to see if their fear is real and if they might qualify for asylum. If the officer finds they have a credible fear, they can stay in the country while their asylum case is heard.
You can learn more about expedited removal and asylum procedures on the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
What Is an Asylum Application?
An asylum application is a request for protection from someone who fears harm in their home country. In the United States 🇺🇸, people apply for asylum by filing Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal. This form asks for information about the person’s background, why they are afraid to return home, and any evidence they have to support their claim.
Asylum seekers can include their spouse and children in their application. While their case is pending, they are usually allowed to stay in the country and may be able to apply for work authorization.
Implications for Immigrants and Families
The Boulder attack and the case of Mohamed Sabry Soliman’s family highlight several important issues for immigrants and their families:
- Visa Overstays: People who stay in the United States 🇺🇸 after their visa expires are at risk of being detained and deported, especially if they have not filed for asylum or another legal status.
- Asylum Claims: Filing for asylum can protect people from deportation, but the process is complex and can take a long time. People with pending asylum claims usually have the right to stay in the country until their case is decided.
- Family Separation: When one family member is accused of a crime, the whole family can be affected. In high-profile cases, authorities may detain or try to deport family members, even if they had no knowledge of the crime.
- Legal Rights: Immigrants have the right to challenge deportation in court, especially if they have a pending asylum claim or fear harm in their home country.
What Should Immigrants Do If Facing Deportation?
If you or your family are at risk of deportation, it is important to:
- Contact an immigration lawyer as soon as possible.
- File any necessary forms—such as Form I-589 for asylum—to protect your rights.
- Cooperate with authorities but do not sign any documents you do not understand.
- Attend all court hearings and follow instructions from your lawyer and the court.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, having a pending asylum application can provide important protections, but it does not guarantee you will be allowed to stay. Each case is different, and outcomes depend on the facts and the law.
Looking Ahead
The legal fight over the deportation of Mohamed Sabry Soliman’s family is far from over. The judge’s temporary order gives the family time to make their case, but the government may still try to remove them if their asylum claim is denied. At the same time, Soliman faces serious criminal charges that could result in a long prison sentence if he is convicted.
This case shows how immigration law, criminal law, and politics can come together in complex and emotional ways. For immigrants, families, and communities, the stakes are high—and the outcome will be watched closely across the United States 🇺🇸 and beyond.
Key Takeaways:
– The Boulder attack has led to increased attention on visa overstays and asylum claims.
– Soliman’s family cannot be deported until the court reviews their asylum claim.
– Immigrants facing deportation should seek legal help and know their rights.
– The case continues to spark debate about immigration enforcement and community safety.
For more information about asylum and deportation procedures, visit the USCIS Asylum page.
Learn Today
Expedited removal → A process allowing quick deportation without court hearings for certain illegal immigrants with no valid claims.
Asylum claim → Protection request from persecution due to race, religion, or political opinion in the home country.
Molotov cocktail → A homemade incendiary device used as a firebomb, involved in the Boulder attack.
Non-immigrant visa → Temporary visa allowing entry into the U.S. for visiting, working, or studying for a limited time.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, responsible for immigration enforcement including detention and deportation.
This Article in a Nutshell
A federal judge halted the deportation of Mohamed Sabry Soliman’s family amidst his charges for the Boulder attack. This highlights complex immigration issues around visa overstays, asylum claims, and family rights after a violent event shocked Colorado and sparked national security concerns.
— By VisaVerge.com
