A federal judge has mandated the immediate release of Hayam El Gamal and her five children from an immigration detention facility in Dilley, Texas, where they have been held for over ten months. U.S. District Judge Fred Biery issued the order on Thursday, stating that El Gamal and her oldest child must comply with electronic monitoring as a condition of their release. The government’s request to postpone the ruling for an appeal was denied.
El Gamal’s legal representatives expressed their relief and joy following the court’s decision. Attorney Chris Godshall-Bennett remarked, “I left the courtroom in tears, thrilled that this family can return to their home.” Another attorney, Eric Lee, noted his frustration over the lack of communication from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) despite the court’s clear directive for the family’s immediate release.
The family’s detention began in June 2025 following the arrest of Mohamed Soliman, El Gamal’s husband, who has been charged with multiple offenses, including attempted murder, related to an attack on protesters in Boulder, Colorado. Soliman, who entered the U.S. on a tourist visa that expired in early 2023, had previously applied for asylum and received work authorization, which has since lapsed. El Gamal and her children, aged between 5 and 18, have consistently denied any involvement or knowledge of Soliman’s alleged actions.
In recent weeks, letters from El Gamal and her children detailing their experiences and the conditions within the detention facility were made public. These letters highlighted serious issues including inadequate medical care, reports of abuse by ICE agents, and a lack of basic necessities. The family described distressing incidents, including discovering a fingernail in their food and the emotional strain of prolonged confinement, which has led to significant mental health challenges.
The situation surrounding the El Gamal family underscores ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of detained immigrants and the conditions within facilities designed to house them.
