Full Breakdown
Judge Orders Release of El Gamal Family After Record-Era Detention
4/25/2026, 1:58:12 AM
Release of the El Gamal Family Ends Record-Era Detention
On April 23 2026, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery ordered the release of Hayam El Gamal and her five children from the Dilley, Texas ICE detention center after more than ten months in custody, the longest family detention recorded under the Trump administration.
Background & Context
The detention followed the June 2023 fire-bombing at a Boulder, Colorado rally, for which Mohamed Sabry Soliman—El Gamal’s ex-husband—was charged with multiple counts, including first-degree murder. El Gamal divorced Soliman after his arrest, condemned the attack, and says she and her children had no knowledge of his plans. They entered the United States on a tourist visa in 2022 and applied for asylum.
Timeline
June 2023 – ICE takes the family after Soliman’s arrest.
Sept. 19 2025 – Immigration judge grants a $15,000 bond, later blocked.
March 9 2026 – El Gamal writes to senators about unmet religious needs.
April 20 2026 – Magistrate recommends conditional release.
April 23 2026 – Judge Biery orders release; the family will wear ankle monitors.
Data & Statistics
Detention lasted over ten months, the longest family case under Trump. The children are ages 5, 8, 12, 15 and 18. A $15,000 bond was proposed for each. ICE reports 47 detainee deaths since the former president’s return.
Official Statements & Responses
The Department of Homeland Security called the judge’s order an “activist” decision that would place a “terrorist’s family onto American streets” and pledged to keep removing individuals deemed national-security threats. ICE said detainees receive “full medical staff, including a pediatrician” and described care as “the best healthcare some detainees have received in their entire lives.” El Gamal’s lawyers maintain the family had no advance knowledge of Soliman’s plan and that detention was unlawful.
Criticism & Opposition
Rights groups and former classmates called the detention “kin punishment,” citing lack of halal food, clean water and adequate medical care. A filing invoked the Due Process Clause, asserting White House interference violated constitutional protections. The family reported depression among the children and a serious cardiac condition for El Gamal.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
DHS says medical care meets standards, while the family’s attorneys claim treatment was denied and health worsened. DHS describes conditions as safe; detainees allege moldy food and unsanitary water. No independent inspections have been cited.
Verbatim Quotes
- “children should not be in jail.” — Christopher Godshall-Bennett, attorney for Habiba Soliman
- “The El Gamal family is free,” — Eric Lee, family attorney
- “In a previous statement the department said, "The judge wants to release this terrorist's family onto American streets.” — Department of Homeland Security spokesperson
- “The Due Process Clause cannot countenance such an extraordinary level of direct interference by the White House's political leadership in this matter,” — Emergency motion filing
What’s Next
A hearing set for Thursday in San Antonio will decide whether removal proceedings will continue. If removal proceeds, the family will remain under ankle-monitor supervision while their asylum claims are reviewed.
