Legal Turmoil for Soliman Family Following Deportation Order

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The family of Mohamed Sabri Soliman, consisting of six members, was taken back into ICE custody on Saturday after having been released earlier in the week, following a judge’s ruling. According to a social media update from their attorney, Eric Lee, deportation is “imminent.” Lee noted that deportation flights were halted just hours after a federal judge issued an emergency suspension order.

On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Bred Biery ordered the release of Soliman’s family, who have been held in Dilley, Texas, since June 2025. Soliman, an Egyptian national, faces 184 charges concerning an incendiary bombing that resulted in one fatality in Boulder, Colorado. Biery’s ruling mandated that ICE release his family members.

The family includes Hayam Salah Alsayd Ahmed El Gamal, 41, Soliman’s wife, along with two sons and three daughters, all minors. They all are Egyptian nationals and entered the U.S. in August 2022. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) previously granted Soliman asylum until February 26, 2023, after he applied in Denver, listing his family as dependents.

Shortly after the family’s detention, the White House hinted on social media that their release would be expedited, stating simply, “6 one-way tickets for Mohammed’s wife and 5 children. Final boarding call coming soon.”

According to DHS, Soliman had entered the U.S. on a valid visa during the Biden administration but later overstayed, violating the terms of his entry. The family was initially detained for deportation after Soliman was arrested for violently attacking peaceful demonstrators during weekly solidarity marches for Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

As per a statement from the FBI, witnesses reported that Soliman attacked the group using makeshift flamethrowers and incendiary devices while shouting, “Liberate Palestine.” The assault left eight people injured, and sadly, one victim later succumbed to their injuries. Soliman has pleaded not guilty to numerous charges related to this incident.

Lee, representing the El Gamal family, shared a brief social media update Saturday morning but provided little information on the evolving situation. His message read: “The El Gamal family was remanded by ICE a short time ago. ICE says deportation is imminent. Please activate your contact information to stop this travesty of justice.”

Later that same day, Lee updated followers about a federal court granting an emergency motion to block what he described as an illegal deportation, asserting that the plane destined for Michigan was about to land, stressing that it should not take off under the Constitution.

Lee issued a more detailed statement likening the family’s situation to a kidnapping, reflecting the severe emotional and legal strain they are under.