The immigration status of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the man accused of attacking individuals with a makeshift flamethrower at an event for Israeli hostages in Boulder, Colorado, has ignited a heated debate surrounding the Trump administration’s deportation agenda. Soliman, a 45-year-old who immigrated to the United States from Egypt in 2022, allegedly overstayed his initial tourist visa, as reported by federal authorities. This incident has not only raised questions about immigration but also highlighted the intersection of anti-Israel sentiment and illegal immigration.
During the attack, Soliman reportedly shouted “Free Palestine,” which has led the FBI to classify the incident as an act of terrorism. On Monday, he was formally charged with a federal hate crime. The nature of this attack has provided fuel for right-wing commentators who are using it to advocate for increased deportations, linking the act to broader narratives surrounding immigration and national security.
Responses from the right have starkly contrasted with their reactions to violence against Palestinians and Muslims in the United States, as well as the conservative stance on the ongoing Gaza conflict. Stephen Miller, a former aide to Donald Trump, highlighted Soliman's immigration status, labeling him an “illegal alien” and criticizing the Biden administration for granting him a tourist visa. “Suicidal migration must be fully reversed,” Miller posted on X, emphasizing his call for stricter immigration policies.
Former President Trump also took to Truth Social to blame Biden’s “ridiculous Open Border Policy” for the attack. He stated, “Acts of Terrorism will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Law,” reiterating the need to secure borders and deport “Illegal, Anti-American Radicals” from the country.
The attack took place in Boulder, a city previously designated as a sanctuary jurisdiction by the Trump administration, meaning it would not assist with deportation efforts. This designation was later revoked following backlash from local officials. Right-wing media outlets and commentators have since seized upon this incident to advocate for policies similar to the Muslim travel ban that Trump attempted to implement during his presidency, despite the unclear religious affiliation of Soliman.
Critics have pointed out that the GOP narrative focuses heavily on Soliman's immigration status, potentially overshadowing discussions about his motives. Right-wing commentator Laura Loomer noted that the emphasis on Soliman being an “illegal alien” distracts from the broader issue of Islamic terrorism, which she argues is a more pressing concern related to the attack's motive.
This incident follows another attack in Washington, D.C., where the perpetrator also called for a free Palestine. However, that shooting did not prompt similar calls for increased deportations, raising questions about the selective outrage surrounding these events. As political tensions rise, there has been an alarming increase in support for using violence to achieve political objectives, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Despite the heightened rhetoric surrounding immigration and crime, studies show that immigrants are statistically less likely to commit crimes than those born in the U.S. Notably, the National Institute of Justice recently removed a webpage detailing this information, suggesting a response to the executive orders enacted during the Trump administration, which are currently under review.
This complex situation illustrates the intertwined nature of immigration, political ideology, and violence, making it a critical topic for ongoing discussion and analysis.
