The aftermath of a violent firebombing at a peaceful pro-Israel demonstration in downtown Boulder has taken a new turn. Federal authorities have now taken the wife and five children of the accused attacker, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, into immigration custody as the investigation widens. The move has sparked concern, confusion, and a growing national debate.
What Happened in Boulder
On June 1, a demonstration in support of Israeli hostages turned chaotic when Soliman allegedly threw multiple Molotov cocktails at the crowd gathered near Pearl Street Mall. The attack left 12 people injured, including an elderly Holocaust survivor. Witnesses say Soliman shouted “Free Palestine” during the assault. Authorities say he intended to kill, fueled by extremist political beliefs.
Soliman, 45, is an Egyptian national who entered the United States in 2020 on a tourist visa and never left. He later applied for asylum in 2022 but had not yet received a final decision. After the attack, he was arrested on-site and is now facing 16 counts of attempted murder and federal hate crime charges and remains in custody on a $10 million bond.
Family Detained in Surprise ICE Action
Just days after Soliman’s arrest, his wife and five children — all minors — were taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Officials say the family is being processed for expedited removal, a fast-track deportation process that bypasses traditional court hearings.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the family’s detention and said federal agents are investigating whether any family members had prior knowledge of Soliman’s plans. So far, there’s no public evidence that the family was involved in the attack or supported it.
This has led some legal experts and immigrant rights groups to raise red flags. They say removing the family so quickly, especially with no clear indication of wrongdoing, could violate their due process rights.
What We Know About the Family
The Soliman family had been living quietly in Colorado Springs. According to local reports, they cooperated fully when federal agents searched their home. Soliman’s wife even handed over his phone to investigators, which reportedly contained messages he sent to his family before the attack.
There’s been no official word on the immigration status of the children or whether they too had pending asylum applications like their father. If removed under expedited deportation, the family could be sent back to Egypt within days, depending on how the process unfolds.
A Growing Political Flashpoint
The situation has quickly become part of a larger political storm. Former President Donald Trump and other Republican figures have cited the attack as a failure of the current immigration system, arguing that Soliman should never have been allowed to remain in the country after his visa expired.
On the other side, immigrant advocates warn that this kind of rapid response — especially toward family members — risks turning immigration enforcement into guilt by association. “We need to be careful not to punish innocent people out of fear,” one immigration attorney said.
Community Reacts with Shock and Support
In Boulder, the community is still reeling. A candlelight vigil was held on Tuesday night in support of the victims. Local leaders condemned the attack while urging people to come together in peace. Some residents have also expressed concern for Soliman’s children, who now face being uprooted and possibly returned to a country they may barely know.
“This was an act of hate, and it has no place here,” said one resident at the vigil. “But we also can’t let hate divide us more. Those kids didn’t throw anything. They didn’t hurt anyone.”
What Happens Next
Soliman is expected in court later this week. Prosecutors are preparing to pursue both state and federal charges, which could result in a lengthy prison sentence if he’s convicted.
As for his family, their fate now lies in the hands of immigration authorities. Whether they’ll be allowed to stay and make their case before a judge — or be deported without a hearing — remains uncertain.
