Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

cliffside

(1,732 posts)
11. "Slowly killing us on the inside": A family of 6 at Texas' Dilley ICE detention center begs for freedom
Mon Mar 30, 2026, 09:09 PM
Monday
https://www.texastribune.org/2026/03/11/el-gamal-texas-egyptian-family-dilley-health-care-food-ice-detention-letters-children/

"... These are among the exclusive accounts from an Egyptian family imprisoned at the nation’s only family detention center for more than nine months, believed to be the longest held in that South Texas facility during President Donald Trump’s second administration. The declarations, which span 59 pages, include hand-written letters and pictures drawn by the five children. They were first obtained by The Texas Tribune before lawyers submit them to the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary Wednesday.

Taken together, the family’s accounts provide what lawyers and child advocates call new and disturbing details into the conditions at the detention center in Dilley, about 70 miles southwest of San Antonio. The family, including the mother Hayam El Gamal and her five children ranging in ages from 5 to 18, detail what they describe as abhorrent medical care, inedible food and a disregard for their religious freedom as Muslims.

The family was detained after the father, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was charged with attacking mostly Jewish protestors at a Boulder, Colo., event last June, accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at demonstrators supporting Israeli hostages. He allegedly wounded at least 29 people and an 82-year-old woman died from her injuries. The father, who has pleaded innocent, remains in federal custody on more than 100 charges related to the incident.

His wife, who wrote that she met her husband through an arranged marriage, and their children have repeatedly denied knowledge of his attack. They have consistently said that the father was emotionally and physically absent and barely spoke to them. The family has since disavowed the father and is no longer in contact with him, their attorney said. “We are six innocent people, including 5-years-old twins, trapped in a nightmare we didn’t create,” wrote Habiba El Gamal, the 18-year-old daughter..."

Recommendations

7 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

If THIS is what "Winning" looks like... BurnDoubt Monday #1
Fuck these monsters malaise Monday #2
God damn them all! PatSeg Monday #3
Truly sick, twisted, demented, hate-filled, sadistic, perverted ones? niyad Monday #6
I've always known there were bad people PatSeg Monday #10
Sadly, I have always known this. But I had, optimistically, thought niyad Monday #14
Same here PatSeg Tuesday #30
Contact CoreCivic littlemissmartypants Monday #4
This is how fascism works to destroy democracy Farmer-Rick Tuesday #20
What a cute little boy MustLoveBeagles Monday #5
May all involved receive everything they deserve. niyad Monday #7
And then some MustLoveBeagles Monday #9
I am experiencing a new emotion, in these times - feels like blood boiling. yellow dahlia Monday #8
"Slowly killing us on the inside": A family of 6 at Texas' Dilley ICE detention center begs for freedom cliffside Monday #11
Trump is turning America into a vile Hellish dictatorship. I'm ashamed, angry, and feel helpless. Martin68 Monday #12
Don't include yourself in the helpless part, my friend. calimary Monday #15
Goddammit these nasty, horrible people!! AllyCat Monday #13
I hope and pray for karma to payback those that did this to this adorable child! kimbutgar Monday #16
Our tax dollars at work. debsy Monday #17
Below is a description of CoreCivic from Wikipedia. Lonestarblue Tuesday #18
As unspeakably evil as... GiqueCee Tuesday #19
It seems the gop is determined to create mtairyguy Tuesday #21
What a precious child wendyb-NC Tuesday #22
this is heartbreaking, cruel, evil samsingh Tuesday #23
I hope justice is served for these evil fucks but it will be a long road. Must flip the House for any accountability. Evolve Dammit Tuesday #24
A 2 yr old in prison? This country is sick. Jim__ Tuesday #25
I look at that beautiful face CareyOn Tuesday #26
Stephen Miller's dream... lame54 Tuesday #27
Fascist monsters. Joinfortmill Tuesday #28
Kick BlueWaveNeverEnd Tuesday #29
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»2 year old at Dilly trail...»Reply #11