The dramatic ordeal of a Colorado family detained by ICE paints a chilling picture of the emotional devastation that immigration detention brings upon families.
At a Glance
- Mohamed Sabry Farag Soliman faces numerous charges related to an attack in Boulder, Colorado.
- Soliman’s family is detained at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas.
- The family entered the U.S. on B2 visas and sought asylum, with a pending EB2 visa for El Gamal.
- Detention conditions are harsh, adding to the family’s emotional stress.
The Allegations and Aftermath
Mohamed Sabry Farag Soliman stands accused of a heinous act: throwing Molotov cocktails at demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado. This disturbing incident has led to over 100 state charges and a federal hate crime charge against him. In the wake of these allegations, his family has been swept up in a legal storm that has landed them in ICE detention.
Soliman’s wife, Hayam El Gamal, has expressed shock over her husband’s alleged actions. Despite the grim circumstances, she remains committed to cooperating with the authorities in a bid to clear her family’s name. “There is never an excuse for hurting innocent people,” she stated, extending love to the families affected by the attack. Her resolve reflects a broader struggle against the stigma and challenges that have beset her family.
Life in Detention
The family is currently confined in Texas, shielded from deportation by a temporary restraining order. But the conditions they face are no less severe. According to El Gamal, the situation inside the Dilley Immigration Processing Center is dire, sparking concerns for her children’s well-being. The harsh environment has exacerbated the emotional strains, painting a grim picture of the family’s everyday reality.
“This includes my two four-year-old children, my seven-year-old, my fifteen-year-old and my oldest daughter, who just turned eighteen in jail. We are grieving, and we are suffering. We are treated like animals by the officers, who told us we are being punished for what my husband is accused of doing.” – Hayam El Gamal
Efforts to provide a semblance of normality continue as El Gamal and her children make an active effort to integrate into their community. She emphasizes their contributions, from volunteering to learning English, underscoring a wish to be good neighbors regardless of religious or cultural differences.
Looking Forward
The family’s future remains uncertain as they navigate complex legal and immigration proceedings. With a pending EB2 visa for El Gamal, they hold onto hope of securing a stable life in the U.S. Her eldest daughter, an aspiring medical student, dreams of education and opportunity—dreams presently shadowed by their precarious situation. This narrative calls attention to the emotional anguish that detention inflicts, urging a re-evaluation of immigration enforcement policies that emphasize humanitarian harm reduction.
“We have always tried to be good neighbors, cooking food for those around us regardless of whether they are Muslim, Christian or Jewish. I do not judge anyone based on his religion. If your heart is good, that’s enough.” – Hayam El Gamal
El Gamal’s appeal for understanding and assistance from the American public is more than a plea for empathy—it’s a call to action for reforms that prevent such profound suffering. For a family caught in legal tumult, their story is a compelling reminder of the human dimension behind the headlines—a dimension that demands thoughtful consideration from all of us.
