Family of six held by ICE arrives back in Colorado as lawyer attacks ‘kidnapping’
The El Gamal family, an Egyptian mother and her five children, were returned to their home in Colorado after being re-arrested by ICE despite a federal judge's order for their release. Their attorney accused the Trump administration of 'kidnapping' due to the violation of the court order, which briefly led to the family being placed on a plane to Michigan. The case highlights ongoing concerns about immigration enforcement overreach under the Trump administration.
- ▪The El Gamal family was initially released from ICE detention in Dilley, Texas, following a federal judge's order on April 23, 2026.
- ▪Hours after returning to Colorado, ICE re-arrested the family, prompting a legal intervention that stopped their deportation and forced the return of the aircraft.
- ▪The family had been held longer than any other at the South Texas Family Residential Center, with the mother, Hayam El Gamal, reportedly denied proper medical care for a chest growth.
- ▪ICE claimed the family were associates of the children's father, Mohammed Soliman, who was charged with federal hate crimes, though the family denied any involvement.
- ▪A Colorado federal judge intervened to halt the deportation, reaffirming the Texas judge's release order and securing the family's freedom.
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The ICE detention facility in Dilley, Texas. Photograph: Eric Gay/APView image in fullscreenThe ICE detention facility in Dilley, Texas. Photograph: Eric Gay/APUS immigrationFamily of six held by ICE arrives back in Colorado as lawyer attacks ‘kidnapping’El Gamal family was released from detention and then re-arrested as US officials appeared to overstep judge’s orderJosé OlivaresSat 2 May 2026 06.00 EDTLast modified on Sat 2 May 2026 06.02 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleAn 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…
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