A federal judge just slammed the door on a family’s desperate bid to avoid deportation after their patriarch allegedly turned a Boulder protest into a fiery nightmare.
The Hill reported that in a ruling that’s got immigration hawks nodding in approval, U.S. District Court Judge Orlando Garcia dismissed the case brought by the family of Mohamed Soliman, an Egyptian national accused of hurling Molotov cocktails at pro-Israeli demonstrators in Colorado.
Soliman, who entered the U.S. on a tourist visa and later sought asylum with his family, now faces a laundry list of charges that could lock him up for decades.
We’re talking murder, 52 counts of attempted first-degree murder, and a slew of assault and incendiary device charges—serious business for someone who allegedly targeted folks demonstrating for hostages held by Hamas. It’s hard not to wonder if the asylum claim was a convenient shield for something far darker.
The Department of Homeland Security didn’t waste time, moving quickly to deport Soliman’s family while detaining them to check for any ties to the violent incident.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made it clear this wasn’t a casual roundup—every stone is being turned over. And frankly, in a world where security feels like a luxury, that’s a reassuring step.
Judge Garcia initially hit pause on the deportation, giving the family a brief reprieve while he mulled over their plea. But in the end, he ruled he lacked the authority to meddle, pointing them toward an immigration court for any further arguments. That’s a tough break, but it’s also a reminder that the system isn’t a free-for-all.
“The Court hastens to remind Petitioners that they still have an avenue for seeking their release from detention while their removal proceedings continue,” Judge Garcia stated in his ruling.
Well, that’s a polite way of saying, “Take it up with someone else.” It’s a fair point—there’s a process, and skipping the line isn’t how it works, no matter how sympathetic the story.
Hayam El Gamal, Soliman’s wife, led the legal fight to keep the family in the U.S., but with Garcia’s dismissal, that door is swinging shut fast. The judge noted they’re not in expedited removal proceedings, so they’ve got a shot to make their case before an immigration judge. Still, one has to ask if clinging to a flawed system is worth the gamble.
Soliman’s alleged attack wasn’t just a random outburst—it targeted a specific group advocating for a cause, which raises eyebrows about motive in an already tense political climate.
While the family’s involvement remains under scrutiny, the idea of deportation feels like a necessary precaution rather than a punishment. After all, safety isn’t negotiable, even if hearts ache for those caught in the crossfire.
Each of Soliman’s charges carries penalties that could stack up to a lifetime behind bars, a sobering reality for a man accused of such reckless violence. It’s a stark contrast to the family’s plea for mercy, and it underscores why the government isn’t taking chances with their status here. Compassion is noble, but not at the expense of justice.
Let’s be real—progressive voices might cry foul over this deportation push, claiming it’s heartless to uproot a family under such duress. But when the patriarch is tied to an act as dangerous as tossing Molotov cocktails, the conversation shifts from feelings to facts. Security isn’t a suggestion; it’s a mandate.
Judge Garcia’s ruling to step back and let immigration courts handle this mess is a nod to proper boundaries in our legal system.
Overreaching judges have muddled enough policy debates—sticking to the rule of law here is a breath of fresh air. It’s not about lacking empathy; it’s about following protocol.
The family’s next stop is an immigration court, where they’ll have to argue why they should stay despite the shadow cast by Soliman’s actions. It’s a tough road, and while no one relishes seeing families torn apart, the weight of the alleged crimes can’t be ignored. This isn’t about ideology; it’s about accountability.
Homeland Security’s swift action to deport reflects a broader frustration with loopholes in immigration policy that too often prioritize optics over outcomes. When violent acts enter the equation, the patience for drawn-out legal battles wears thin. And shouldn’t it?