Biden-Appointed Judge Halts Deportation of Boulder Attack Suspect's Family Despite Visa Violations

In a dramatic late-night order, U.S. District Judge Gordon P. Gallagher issued a temporary restraining order halting the deportation of the wife and five children of Mohamed Soliman, the Egyptian national implicated in the recent Boulder firebombing attack. The decision, made on an emergency basis, represents a significant legal development in a case that has gripped Colorado and sparked heated national debate over immigration policy, public safety, and due process.

The judge’s ruling prevents federal immigration authorities from removing Hayem El Gamal and her children from Colorado or the United States until at least June 13, when a hearing will determine their immediate fate. In his order, Judge Gallagher described the potential deportation as likely to cause “irreparable harm” to the family, citing the need for a thorough review before any final action is taken. This reprieve comes after a close family friend, Susanna Dvortsin, rushed to court arguing that the family faced imminent removal without adequate opportunity to contest their case.

The legal proceedings unfold amid a volatile political backdrop. Criticism over immigration enforcement has swelled, with some Republican leaders laying blame for the Boulder incident at the feet of what they call “tolerant” sanctuary policies and inadequate state-federal cooperation under the current administration. Representative Gabe Evans of Colorado, for example, pointed to sanctuary practices as a root cause, saying, “For the sake of our state, Democrats MUST stop putting illegals ahead of Americans. There are lives on the line.”

Meanwhile, Colorado Governor Jared Polis’ office pushed back against suggestions that the state had failed to cooperate with federal law enforcement, insisting there was no request from federal agencies prior to the attack and emphasizing that Colorado is not a sanctuary state. A spokesperson added that, “the governor expects to see the suspect prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also addressed the situation publicly, confirming that federal agents had taken Soliman’s family into custody pending investigation. In a social media statement, she made clear that authorities were examining whether the family had any knowledge of or connection to the firebombing attack beyond their relationship to Soliman himself.

At the heart of the legal dispute is whether the family’s pending asylum application should prevent them from being deported while Soliman’s criminal and immigration cases proceed. According to information cited by federal authorities, El Gamal and her five children have all overstayed their visas. However, defense attorneys argue their asylum claim should be adjudicated before any removal action is taken.

As the June 13 hearing approaches, both sides are preparing legal arguments that could set important precedent—not only for this family, but for similar cases across the nation. The outcome may influence how courts balance public safety concerns with the rights of immigrants seeking protection from persecution abroad, all against the backdrop of a deeply polarized debate on immigration reform and law enforcement responsibility.

Beyond the courthouse, the Boulder attack has sent ripples through the state’s political establishment. Some Democratic leaders faced sharp scrutiny for attending events with controversial figures soon after the incident, further fueling an already intense partisan debate. As legal and political battles rage, the fate of Soliman’s family—and the communities affected by the attack—remains uncertain, with critical decisions looming in the coming days.