A Biden-appointed judge in Colorado just threw a wrench into the Trump administration’s high-profile deportation push, pausing the removal of the wife and five children of Boulder firebomb suspect Mohamed Sabry Soliman.

According to the Daily Mail, U.S. District Court Judge Gordon Gallagher issued a temporary order on Wednesday blocking the expedited deportation of Soliman’s family, saying that stripping them of due process could cause “irreparable harm.”

The Trump administration had sought to remove the family almost immediately after Soliman allegedly attacked a pro-Israel rally in Boulder. Soliman, an Egyptian national, faces 16 counts of attempted murder and federal hate crime charges after authorities say he hurled Molotov cocktails at a crowd on Pearl Street Mall, injuring at least 12 people. His wife, Hayam El Gamal, and their five children were arrested two days later as federal officials attempted to fast-track their deportation—an effort now stalled by the court’s intervention.

Legal fight ignites over deportation

The judge’s ruling has sparked outrage among Trump supporters and some law enforcement officials, who argue that the administration’s efforts to swiftly deport the suspect’s family are necessary for national security. Critics say the judge’s decision reflects a pattern in which “activist” jurists stand in the way of President Trump’s ambitious immigration crackdown.

Judge Gallagher, appointed by President Biden in 2022, wrote that “deportation without process could work irreparable harm and an order must issue without notice due to the urgency this situation presents.” The urgent order, issued without prior notice, grants the family a temporary reprieve while the legal battle plays out in federal court.

Lawyers representing the Soliman family sued the federal government, arguing that the attempt to expel them without hearings violated their rights. Their lawsuit contends that family members should not be punished for the alleged crimes of a relative and that they deserve the opportunity to seek asylum in the United States.

Accusations of collective punishment

The case has drawn sharp criticism from both sides. Supporters of the Trump administration say that deporting the family is justified given the gravity of Soliman’s alleged attack, which targeted a peaceful demonstration honoring Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicly announced the intention to remove the family, insisting that authorities were also investigating whether any of them had knowledge of or supported Soliman’s plans.

On the other hand, the family’s legal team maintains that the administration’s approach violates fundamental principles of justice. The lawsuit points out that Hayam El Gamal was “shocked” to learn about her husband’s alleged actions and that punishing the entire family constitutes unlawful collective punishment.

Daughter Habiba Soliman, an award-winning student who hoped to study medicine, was among those detained. In personal essays, she described her ambition and the family’s struggles since immigrating to Colorado from Kuwait, trying to adapt and thrive in American society.

Political backlash and national debate

The judge’s intervention quickly became a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over immigration, national security, and judicial authority. Trump loyalists blasted the decision, with some accusing left-leaning judges of undermining presidential authority and efforts to “make America safer.”

Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, a longtime Trump adviser, criticized both the Biden and prior administrations for what he called “suicidal migration.” He noted that Soliman entered the U.S. on a tourist visa during the Biden years, overstayed, and was granted a work permit before allegedly planning the attack.

Meanwhile, the White House and immigration authorities maintain that their hands are tied while the courts decide next steps. They argue that expedited removal is a necessary tool to protect the country from potential threats, especially after high-profile attacks or attempted attacks.

The Soliman family, who had lived in Colorado Springs for three years and had no previous criminal record, insist they had no involvement in the attack. Their case has become a rallying cry for immigrant rights advocates, who say due process must be respected regardless of the circumstances.

Next steps for Soliman family

Judge Gallagher’s order means that Hayam El Gamal and her five children will remain in federal custody as their lawsuit proceeds in Colorado. The family, shocked by both the attack and their own arrest, is seeking release while they pursue asylum claims in the United States.

Authorities continue to investigate whether any family members had knowledge of Soliman’s alleged plans, but so far, no evidence has been produced to suggest their involvement. The case will be closely watched as it moves through the courts, with both sides bracing for a potentially precedent-setting decision.