Apr 27, 2026·Denver, CO·Egypt
Hayam El Gamal and five family members, Egyptian citizens who entered the U.S. on B-1 visitor visas in 2022, were detained at Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas in June 2025 after overstaying their visas. During nine months in detention, they endured moldy and wormy food, inadequate medical care, and religious freedom violations. An immigration judge granted them bond in September 2025, but DHS appealed and obtained a stay. On April 24, 2026, a federal judge ordered their release. Two days later, ICE re-arrested the family during a routine check-in at an ICE office in Denver and transported them to Denver International Airport for immediate deportation, violating the federal court order. During transport and on a private jet, the family was subjected to verbal abuse, medical neglect, and physical restraint despite a medical emergency. Federal judges issued emergency orders blocking the removal and turning the plane around mid-air. The family was released on April 27 pending litigation on their asylum case, with electronic monitoring required as a condition of release.