Family released after texas judge overturns dhs order, immediately detained again
Less than forty-eight hours after a federal judge in Texas ordered the release of a Colorado Family – including the ex-wife of a man charged with a bias-motivated terror attack – they were once again taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement near Centennial, Colorado.
A shifting legal battle and a devastating turn
The Family, comprised of Hayam El Gamal and her children, ranging in age from five to eighteen, had initially been arrested following a June 2025 attack on Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall. An FBI agent testified in court that the Family was unaware of Mohamed Soliman's intentions, and they have vehemently denounced his actions, stating they ‘condemn all people that use violence, even including my father.’
Despite this, and following a final order of removal, a federal judge unexpectedly granted their release on Thursday. However, the Department of Homeland Security swiftly responded, asserting that the core facts of the case remained unchanged: Soliman is a terrorist responsible for the antisemitic firebombing. This decision, according to DHS, represents a disregard for due process and a continued commitment to removing individuals deemed national security threats.
Advocates express outrage and fear
Kristin Gutzman, Megan Klaus, and Lacey Goodwin, who spearheaded the Family’s legal efforts and drove them from Texas to Colorado, expressed profound dismay. ‘They’re resilient and they shouldn’t have to be resilient anymore,’ stated Megan Klaus. ‘We should be taking care of them.’ The group described witnessing the Family’s palpable distress upon their sudden re-detention, a scene described as ‘miraculous’ in terms of their initial relief.
Lilah Pettey, a friend of Habiba Soliman, described the situation as ‘completely illegal and just further torment of a family that has gone through too much.’ She expressed deep sadness for her friend and her family, highlighting the fear for Habiba’s safety if returned to Egypt, where she faces potential persecution.
A return to detention, a looming threat
On Saturday morning, the family underwent an immigration check-in in Centennial, only to be immediately placed on a plane to Michigan. Goodwin described the events as ‘absolute evil and cruelty,’ emphasizing the lack of justification for the renewed detention. The family’s immigration case stemmed from their application for asylum after their visas expired, fueled by concerns about potential retribution in Egypt if deported.
Dhs remains firm
As of this report, the Department of Homeland Security has not responded to requests for comment. The swift reversal underscores a continued, and increasingly contentious, stance on immigration enforcement, leaving the El Gamal-Soliman family facing an uncertain and deeply troubling future.