Hayam Salah Alsaid Ahmed Elgamal, Habiba Mohamed Sabry Farag Soliman, and Four Minor Children of Alleged Boulder Terror Suspect Detained by ICE Amid Expanding Federal Investigation

June 4, 2025 – Washington, D.C.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed today that six family members of alleged Boulder, Colorado terror suspect Mohamed Sabry Farag Soliman have been taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of a widening investigation into a potential terrorist plot that has shaken the nation.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem made the announcement during a press briefing in Washington, revealing that ICE detained Hayam Salah Alsaid Ahmed Elgamal, 41, the wife of Soliman, and their daughter, Habiba Mohamed Sabry Farag Soliman, 18, along with four of Soliman’s minor children—two sons and two daughters whose names are not being released due to their age.

All six individuals are Egyptian nationals and were listed as dependents on Soliman’s asylum application submitted in September 2022. Their current detention is based on immigration violations, but DHS officials stress the family is under federal review to determine any possible connection to the alleged attack in Boulder, which is currently being investigated as an act of terrorism.

Immigration Background and Overstay

According to DHS records, the Soliman family entered the United States legally on August 27, 2022, on temporary visas, and were authorized to remain until February 26, 2023. After their permitted stay expired, Mohamed Soliman filed an asylum application in Denver in an effort to remain in the country. That application included his wife and children as dependents.

Despite their legal entry, the family’s overstay and the now-unfolding investigation into Soliman’s alleged activities have triggered swift action from immigration authorities. Secretary Noem explained that this case highlights ongoing concerns about potential security gaps in the asylum system.

Secretary Noem’s Statement

During her remarks, Secretary Noem delivered a strong message underscoring the federal government’s resolve to hold those involved in violent plots accountable, while also addressing any failures that may have allowed such individuals to enter or remain in the U.S.

“This individual will face prosecution to the fullest extent permitted under federal law,” Noem stated. “As for his immediate family, we are pursuing all legal avenues to determine whether they had any prior knowledge of or provided any assistance in what appears to be a calculated act of terror. Our top priority is the safety of the American people.”

Noem emphasized that the investigation remains in its early stages, and that DHS, in coordination with the FBI and local law enforcement, is combing through extensive digital, financial, and communication records related to Soliman and his household.

A Family Under Federal Scrutiny

While no direct evidence has yet been made public indicating the family’s involvement, their close proximity to the suspect and shared immigration history have made them critical subjects in the inquiry.

The family members are being held at a federal immigration facility while proceedings are underway to determine their legal status and possible removal. The adults are expected to appear before immigration judges, and the minor children have been placed under the supervision of child welfare authorities until a more permanent legal decision is made.

Impact on the Boulder Community

Though officials have not released the names or identities of victims connected to the alleged attack, Boulder residents continue to grapple with the emotional and psychological aftermath. Community vigils have been held across the city, where residents mourn and call for transparency as the investigation progresses.

“I continue to hold the victims and their families in my prayers,” Secretary Noem added. “Our commitment to justice is unwavering, and we will ensure no stone is left unturned in this matter.”

Local leaders in Boulder have echoed those sentiments, asking for both answers and accountability as federal officials work to uncover the full extent of the threat and any individuals who may have played a role in it.

Potential Legal Consequences

Legal analysts note that if any evidence is discovered indicating the family provided material support or had knowledge of Soliman’s alleged plot, they could face federal charges beyond immigration violations. However, if no such evidence is found, the likely outcome is deportation due to their unlawful presence in the U.S. following their visa overstay.

Under federal law, aiding and abetting terrorism can carry sentences ranging from several years to life imprisonment, depending on the degree of involvement and the severity of the incident. The threshold for conviction in such cases is high, requiring substantial and compelling evidence of intent and participation.

ICE officials are also examining whether Soliman or any of his family members had previous interactions with known extremist groups or flagged communication patterns that could tie them to international networks.

A Broader Policy Flashpoint

This case has once again ignited national debate over the United States’ asylum and immigration systems, particularly with respect to national security. Critics of current policies argue that the existing asylum process is vulnerable to abuse and lacks the rigorous oversight necessary to prevent individuals with dangerous intentions from exploiting the system.

Supporters of asylum protections counter that most asylum seekers follow legal pathways and are fleeing legitimate threats, and caution against drawing broad conclusions from a single case.

Nonetheless, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have begun calling for hearings to examine how Soliman was vetted upon entry and how his application was handled during the 17 months he and his family remained in the country.

Next Steps in the Investigation

Federal authorities are continuing to gather information and have not ruled out further arrests. A grand jury has been convened in Colorado to examine the evidence and potentially hand down indictments, including against individuals who may have supported Soliman before or after the attack.

DHS has assured the public that ongoing operations are being conducted in accordance with the law, and that updates will be shared as the investigation advances.

Noem’s leadership in this high-profile case reflects a broader shift toward a tougher stance on immigration enforcement under her tenure as Secretary of Homeland Security. Her approach emphasizes national security and strict adherence to immigration laws, especially where terror threats are concerned.

National Security and Immigration Enforcement Merge

For many, this case marks a turning point where national security and immigration enforcement have become inextricably linked in a post-9/11 landscape that has evolved to include both international and homegrown threats.

“This isn’t just about immigration,” Noem said. “It’s about securing the homeland, identifying threats before they emerge, and using every legal tool at our disposal to protect the American people.”

For now, the country waits for more clarity as investigators dig deeper into what led to the alleged act in Boulder, how long it may have been planned, and whether others beyond Soliman played a role.

What remains clear is that the consequences of this case will reach far beyond one man, one family, or even one city. They will shape the national conversation about who is allowed to enter the United States, under what terms, and what happens when those terms are broken.

Further updates are expected in the days ahead as the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security continue their joint efforts to uncover the full truth behind this disturbing case.