Following the June 1 antisemitic terrorist attack in Boulder, Colo., several federal agencies are looking to issue a crackdown on visa overstays.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem directed U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to review of immigration records.
Mohammed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national, has been charged with setting on fire at least eight people during a pro-Israel solidarity walk. At least 12 others suffered from burns and smoke inhalation.
Soliman admitted to planning the attack for more than a year. He has been in the United States unlawfully since 2022, having overstayed his visa.
Soliman has been charged with attempted murder, the use of incendiary devices, multiple state felony charges and federal hate crimes
The House Homeland Security Committee is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Soliman’s immigration history and sent a letter to Noem requesting his alien file.
“This tragedy is indicative of a heightened terrorism threat on U.S. soil, signaling an urgent need for increased homeland security measures, particularly with respect to foreign nationals who are unlawfully present in the United States, as Soliman reportedly overstayed a nonimmigrant visa,” the letter said.
The file contains information on Soliman’s expired visa, work authorization, and application for asylum.