The United States is grappling with the fallout from a shocking antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado, after a man allegedly hurled Molotov cocktails at Jewish demonstrators calling for the release of Israeli hostages Boulder attack 2025. The suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, is now in custody and facing both federal and state charges—including attempted murder and a hate crime.
Family of Suspect Detained by Immigration Authorities
In a controversial move, U.S. immigration authorities detained Soliman’s wife and five children shortly after the attack. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed the family is now in ICE custody and may be deported imminently.
“We are investigating to what extent his family knew about this heinous attack, if they had knowledge of it, or if they provided support to it,” Noem stated in a post on X.
The White House also weighed in, posting: “The wife and five children of illegal alien Mohamed Soliman… are now in ICE custody for expedited removal.” The statement added, “Six One-Way Tickets for Mohamed’s Wife and Five Kids. Final Boarding Call Coming Soon,” sparking debate across social media and news outlets.
What Happened in Boulder?
According to local police and FBI documents, the attack occurred during a peaceful pro-Israel protest. Soliman allegedly shouted “Free Palestine” while throwing two petrol bombs into the crowd.
Twelve people were injured—four men and four women aged between 52 and 88. Among them was a Holocaust survivor, Rabbi Israel Wilhelm, who serves as the Chabad director at the University of Colorado Boulder.
In his affidavit, Soliman admitted to planning the attack for over a year. He reportedly waited until after his daughter’s high school graduation before executing the plan.
Legal Status and Immigration Background
Soliman entered the U.S. on a tourist visa in August 2022. Though his visa expired the following year, he filed for asylum in September 2022, Homeland Security confirmed. Whether his claim was processed or delayed remains unclear.
Interestingly, police documents state that Soliman claimed he “never discussed” his plans with his family. However, he left behind a phone containing messages addressed to them. His wife later turned the phone in to authorities—a move that may play a role in determining whether she faces criminal charges or deportation solely on immigration grounds.
Who Is Mohamed Soliman’s Family?
Soliman’s daughter, now under ICE detention, had recently received a local scholarship for her academic promise. In her application, she wrote about how moving to the U.S. “fundamentally changed me,” highlighting her goals of studying medicine.
Born in Egypt and having lived in Kuwait for 14 years, she moved to the U.S. with her family in 2022. A Gazette newspaper profile noted her father’s past medical struggles and detailed her personal accomplishments.
Next Steps: Legal Proceedings and Political Fallout
Soliman appeared briefly in court Monday via video from Boulder County Jail. His formal bail hearing is scheduled for Thursday, when prosecutors are expected to file detailed charges including hate crime violations and possession of incendiary weapons.
Meanwhile, political reaction has been swift and polarizing. Critics have condemned the government’s emphasis on the family’s immigration status as a distraction from the root causes of domestic extremism. Supporters of the administration argue that anyone connected to such a serious crime should face the full scope of U.S. law—criminal or civil.
Conclusion: A Nation Confronts Hate and Legal Complexity
As the Boulder community heals, national debate intensifies over immigration enforcement, hate crime prosecution, and family accountability. While Mohamed Soliman faces justice, his family’s fate hangs in the balance—caught at the intersection of law, politics, and tragedy.
The coming days will not only shape the future of one family but could also influence how America handles hate crimes and immigration policy for years to come.
