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Family of six held by ICE arrives back in Colorado as lawyer attacks ‘kidnapping’
TL;DR
An Egyptian family of six returned to Colorado after being re-arrested by ICE, which their lawyer labeled as 'kidnapping'. This incident follows a federal judge's order for their release, highlighting potential overreach by the Trump administration.
Key points
- Egyptian family of six returned to Colorado after ICE re-arrest
- Lawyer labeled the government's actions as kidnapping
- Family's father charged with federal hate crimes
- Incident highlights potential overreach by the Trump administration
- Family claims no knowledge of father's alleged attack
Mentioned in this story
Hayam El GamalMohammed SolimanICETrump administrationColorado
An Egyptian mother and her children, previously jailed by immigration authorities, arrived back in their home in Colorado on Wednesday, after a days-long ordeal during which the Trump administration likely attempted to violate a federal judge’s order.
Their attorney, Eric Lee, claimed the US government’s actions against the El Gamal family constituted “kidnapping” after immigration officials re-arrested the family last week.
“After being illegally kidnapped by the Trump administration Saturday within hours of being released from Dilley by a federal judge Thursday, Hayam El Gamal and her five wonderful, sweet children are free from detention and in their home,” Lee posted on X.
The El Gamal family ordeal this week is the latest instance in which the Trump administration has seemingly attempted to overstep a federal judge’s orders related to immigration proceedings.
The family was arrested last June by ICE after the children’s father was accused of a high-profile attack against Israeli hostage supporters in Colorado. El Gamal’s husband, Mohammed Soliman, who the family says is estranged from them, was charged with federal hate crimes. The family and their attorneys have repeatedly said they knew nothing of his attack.
The Trump administration accused the El Gamal family of being “associates” to the father’s attack last week, according to a statement provided to a Texas Tribune reporter.
“Under President Trump, DHS will continue to fight for the removal of those who have no right to be in our country – especially terrorists and their associates,” DHS spokesperson Lauren Bis said. “We are confident the courts will ultimately vindicate us.”
El Gamal and her five children are believed to be the family that has been held the longest inside the privately-run South Texas Family Residential Center, an ICE facility in Dilley, Texas, the Texas Tribune reported.
During their time in detention, El Gamal suffered health problems that went unresolved, Lee said. In mid-April, Lee released a statement saying that El Gamal pleaded with officials for a series of weeks for an emergency visit to a hospital for a growth on her chest. After eventually being taken to the emergency room following a medical emergency, ICE allegedly denied further tests to determine what was causing her pain.
Q&A
What happened to the El Gamal family in Colorado?
The El Gamal family was re-arrested by ICE shortly after being released by a federal judge, prompting their lawyer to accuse the government of kidnapping.
Why did the El Gamal family face immigration issues?
The family was arrested due to their estranged father's alleged involvement in a high-profile attack against Israeli hostage supporters.
What did the lawyer claim about the government's actions?
The lawyer, Eric Lee, claimed that the government's actions constituted kidnapping, as they violated a federal judge's order.
What are the implications of the El Gamal family's ordeal?
This incident raises concerns about the Trump administration's adherence to federal judicial orders regarding immigration enforcement.
