On a Thursday night, Hayam El Gamal and her five children were released from an ICE detention center in Texas after spending ten months there. A federal judge had ordered their release, stating they shouldn’t be deported.
The trouble began when Hayam’s husband, Mohammed Soliman, was arrested for allegedly attempting to firebomb protesters in Colorado who supported Israeli hostages. This violent act shocked his family, who claim they knew nothing about his plans.
Just days after their release, the family checked in with ICE as required. To their horror, they were detained once again and told they were being sent back to Egypt. One of their lawyers, Chris Godshall-Bennett, described how terrified the family was.
It seemed that ICE acted against the judge’s orders, which could be viewed as unlawful. Lawyers quickly intervened, and federal judges stepped in to stop the deportation. Eventually, the plane carrying the family turned back, bringing them safely back to Denver.
“I’m scared to let them out of my sight,” Godshall-Bennett said afterward. “They were treated like animals.” He called the situation a form of kidnapping, given that ICE disregarded a court ruling.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded to the situation but did not confirm the family’s re-arrest. According to DHS, Soliman is accused of being a terrorist linked to the attack, and they stressed that the family received due process. But many are questioning whether this was simply an effort to punish them for his actions.
The family first came to the U.S. on tourist visas in 2022. After their visas expired, they filed for asylum, but a judge later denied their request. Following Soliman’s arrest, they submitted a second asylum application.
In interviews from detention, El Gamal’s daughter, Habiba, described how their lives crumbled during their ten months on lockdown. She expressed feelings of despair and reiterated their disconnect from Soliman, asking to be recognized outside of his actions.
Experts point to this case as part of a broader issue regarding how the U.S. immigration system handles families with criminal connections. Legal experts warn that punitive actions against innocent family members can have lasting effects, from heightened anxiety to long-term separation.
Overall, this family’s struggle reflects deeper questions about justice and the role of immigration authorities. Their lawyers are determined to keep fighting for their rights to stay in the U.S., highlighting significant legal and moral implications at play.
For more context on immigration policies and legal proceedings, you can refer to this report from the American Bar Association.
