Case: Dvortsin v. Noem

5:25-cv-00664 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas

Filed Date: June 4, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This is a case about the federal government’s attempt to deport a detained noncitizen mother and her five minor noncitizen children. The mother and children are currently in immigration detention and continue to seek asylum and humanitarian relief. On June 1, 2025, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national residing in Colorado, was charged with throwing Molotov cocktails and using a makeshift flamethrower at a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, injuring fifteen people. Soliman faced federal…

This is a case about the federal government’s attempt to deport a detained noncitizen mother and her five minor noncitizen children. The mother and children are currently in immigration detention and continue to seek asylum and humanitarian relief.

On June 1, 2025, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national residing in Colorado, was charged with throwing Molotov cocktails and using a makeshift flamethrower at a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, injuring fifteen people. Soliman faced federal hate crime and state attempted murder charges and was held on a $10 million cash-only bond. Concurrently, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Soliman’s wife, Hayam El Gamal (also spelled Elgamal) and their five minor children, citing potential knowledge or support of the attack, and initiated expedited removal proceedings. 

On June 4, 2025, next friends for the mother and children filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. Under 28 U.S.C. § 2241 and the Suspension Clause, the petitioners sued Kristi Noem, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE and its director, as well as other ICE officials responsible for the detention and removal of the petitioners, including field office directors. Represented by private counsel, the petitioners sought a writ of habeas corpus and a temporary restraining order to prevent the family’s imminent removal from the United States. They claimed that the planned deportation violated the Due Process Clause, the Immigration and Nationality Act, and international obligations protecting against non-refoulement and family unity. The case was assigned to Judge Gordon P. Gallagher.

The same day the complaint was filed, Judge Gallagher granted a partial temporary restraining order that temporarily barred the federal government from deporting the petitioners or transferring them from Colorado. 2025 WL 1581857. The court found that the petitioners raised serious legal questions regarding due process, potential violations of immigration law, and the risk of irreparable harm if the family were removed before the court could fully consider the merits of their claims. Judge Gallagher also barred any expedited removal and directed ICE to ensure that the family had access to legal counsel while in custody.

On June 12, Judge Gallagher transferred the case to the Western District of Texas, where the family was being held. The partial TRO was preserved and remained in effect. Although Judge Gallagher scheduled a hearing on the TRO for June 13, 2025, in Colorado, it was vacated following the case’s transfer. The case was reassigned to Judge Orlando Luis Garcia.

On June 18, Judge Garcia in Texas extended the TRO, preventing removal of the family from the district and from the U.S. altogether. 2025 WL 1752506. 

However, on July 2, 2025, Judge Garcia dismissed the lawsuit and closed the case. 2025 WL 1857593.  It reasoned that the petitioners were receiving proper and full process under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and therefore that claims predicated on their being subjected to expedited removal proceedings were moot. In addition, it concluded that because the Act bars review of discretionary detention decisions, the Court could not adjudicate the remaining claims, which related to pre-removal discretionary detention. Those claims were therefore dismissed without prejudice. The dismissal terminated the family’s federal legal challenge, though their removal proceedings remained underway and they remained in ICE custody.  

Summary Authors

Victoria Tan (7/8/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70531191/parties/dvortsin-v-noem/


Judge(s)

Garcia, Orlando Luis (Texas)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Berger, Alexandra J. (Colorado)

Frenzen, Niels W. (Colorado)

Godshall-Bennett, Christopher (Colorado)

Lee, Eric Thompson (Colorado)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
5

1:25-cv-01741

Order

U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

Order/Opinion

2025 WL 1581857

24

5:25-cv-00664

Order

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

Order/Opinion
29

5:25-cv-00664

Order

El Gamal v. Noem

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Order/Opinion

2025 WL 1857593

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70531191/dvortsin-v-noem/

Last updated July 18, 2025, 11:10 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

Emergency APPLICATION for Writ of Habeas Corpus Pursuant to 28 USC 2241 (Filing fee $ 5, Receipt Number ACODC-10372078)Attorney Niels W. Frenzen added to party Susanna Dvortsin(pty:pet), Attorney Niels W. Frenzen added to party Hayam El Gamal(pty:pet), Attorney Niels W. Frenzen added to party E (child) S (child)(pty:pet), Attorney Niels W. Frenzen added to party A (child) S (child)(pty:pet), Attorney Niels W. Frenzen added to party H (child) S (child)(pty:pet), Attorney Niels W. Frenzen added to party O (child) S (child)(pty:pet), Attorney Niels W. Frenzen added to party H-2 (child) S (child)(pty:pet), filed by O (child) S (child), E (child) S (child), H-2 (child) S (child), Hayam El Gamal, Susanna Dvortsin, A (child) S (child), H (child) S (child). (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Frenzen, Niels) [Transferred from Colorado on 6/13/2025.] (Entered: 06/04/2025)

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

PACER
2

Emergency MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order by Petitioners Susanna Dvortsin, Hayam El Gamal, E (child) S (child), A (child) S (child), H (child) S (child), O (child) S (child), H-2 (child) S (child). (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit)(Frenzen, Niels) [Transferred from Colorado on 6/13/2025.] (Entered: 06/04/2025)

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

PACER
3

Case assigned to Judge Nina Y. Wang and drawn to Magistrate Judge Maritza Dominguez Braswell. Text Only Entry (efoga, ) Modified on 6/4/2025 to correct file date(efoga, ). [Transferred from Colorado on 6/13/2025.] (Entered: 06/04/2025)

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

PACER
4

Magistrate Judge consent form issued pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 636(c). (efoga, ) Modified on 6/4/2025 to correct file date(efoga, ). [Transferred from Colorado on 6/13/2025.] (Entered: 06/04/2025)

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

PACER
5

ORDER granting in part and taking under advisement in part 2 Motion for TRO. In Court Hearing set for 6/13/2025 at 01:00 PM in Courtroom C202 before District Judge Gordon P Gallagher. by District Judge Gordon P Gallagher on 6/4/2025.(gpglc4, ) [Transferred from Colorado on 6/13/2025.] (Entered: 06/04/2025)

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

Clearinghouse
6

CERTIFICATE of Mailing/Service re 5 Order on Motion for TRO Proof of Service by Petitioner Susanna Dvortsin. (Frenzen, Niels) [Transferred from Colorado on 6/13/2025.] (Entered: 06/04/2025)

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

PACER
7

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages for Memo in Support of TRO by Petitioner Susanna Dvortsin. (Frenzen, Niels) [Transferred from Colorado on 6/13/2025.] (Entered: 06/06/2025)

June 6, 2025

June 6, 2025

PACER
8

NOTICE of Entry of Appearance by Eric Thompson Lee on behalf of Susanna DvortsinAttorney Eric Thompson Lee added to party Susanna Dvortsin(pty:pet) (Attachments: # 1 Appendix Attorney Certificate)(Lee, Eric) [Transferred from Colorado on 6/13/2025.] (Entered: 06/06/2025)

June 6, 2025

June 6, 2025

PACER
9

ORDER re: 7 Petitioner's unopposed motion to exceed page limitations and file a 25 page brief is granted. Respondent is granted identical leave to exceed the normal page limitations. Given the short time frame before the hearing, no reply will be allowed without specific leave of the Court. So Ordered. Entered by District Judge Gordon P Gallagher on 06/06/2025. Text Only Entry(dclem) Modified on 6/6/2025 to add text. (sphil, ). [Transferred from Colorado on 6/13/2025.] (Entered: 06/06/2025)

June 6, 2025

June 6, 2025

PACER
10

NOTICE of Entry of Appearance by Zeyen Julian Wu on behalf of John Fabbricatore, Kristi Noem, Todd LyonsAttorney Zeyen Julian Wu added to party John Fabbricatore(pty:res), Attorney Zeyen Julian Wu added to party Kristi Noem(pty:res), Attorney Zeyen Julian Wu added to party Todd Lyons(pty:res) (Wu, Zeyen) [Transferred from Colorado on 6/13/2025.] (Entered: 06/06/2025)

June 6, 2025

June 6, 2025

PACER
11

NOTICE of Entry of Appearance by Christopher Godshall-Bennett on behalf of Susanna DvortsinAttorney Christopher Godshall-Bennett added to party Susanna Dvortsin(pty:pet) (Godshall-Bennett, Christopher) [Transferred from Colorado on 6/13/2025.] (Entered: 06/06/2025)

June 6, 2025

June 6, 2025

PACER
12

NOTICE of Entry of Appearance by Alexandra J. Berger on behalf of John Fabbricatore, Kristi Noem, Todd LyonsAttorney Alexandra J. Berger added to party John Fabbricatore(pty:res), Attorney Alexandra J. Berger added to party Kristi Noem(pty:res), Attorney Alexandra J. Berger added to party Todd Lyons(pty:res) (Berger, Alexandra) [Transferred from Colorado on 6/13/2025.] (Entered: 06/06/2025)

June 6, 2025

June 6, 2025

PACER
13

BRIEF in Support of 2 Emergency MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order filed by Petitioner Susanna Dvortsin. (Lee, Eric) [Transferred from Colorado on 6/13/2025.] (Entered: 06/06/2025)

June 6, 2025

June 6, 2025

PACER
14

NOTICE of Entry of Appearance by Michael Kenneth Velchik on behalf of John Fabbricatore, Kristi Noem, Todd LyonsAttorney Michael Kenneth Velchik added to party John Fabbricatore(pty:res), Attorney Michael Kenneth Velchik added to party Kristi Noem(pty:res), Attorney Michael Kenneth Velchik added to party Todd Lyons(pty:res) (Velchik, Michael) [Transferred from Colorado on 6/13/2025.] (Entered: 06/11/2025)

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

PACER
15

RESPONSE to 2 Emergency MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order filed by Respondents John Fabbricatore, Kristi Noem, Todd Lyons. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit 1 - Alexander Williams Declaration, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit 2 - Dustin Mehsling Declaration, # 3 Exhibit Exhibit 3 - Crystal Davis Declaration, # 4 Exhibit Exhibit 4 - Bryan Contreras Declaration)(Velchik, Michael) [Transferred from Colorado on 6/13/2025.] (Entered: 06/11/2025)

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before District Judge Gordon P Gallagher: Based on the information set forth in Petitioners Brief (D. 13) and the Governments Response (D. 15), it does not appear that the relevant jurisdictional facts are in material dispute nor that a hearing would assist the Court in resolution of this matter. It is therefore Ordered that the hearing previously set for June 13, 2025 is VACATED and this Court will promptly issue a written order on the matter. So Ordered. (gpglc4, ) Text Only Entry [Transferred from Colorado on 6/13/2025.]

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

PACER
16

ORDER by District Judge Gordon P Gallagher on 6/12/2025. This case is transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, with the TRO intact, until further Order of the transferee Court or the expiration of the 14-day limit of the TRO. The Clerk of the Court SHALL effectuate such transfer and thereafter close this case. (sphil, ) [Transferred from Colorado on 6/13/2025.] (Entered: 06/12/2025)

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

RECAP

Case assigned to Judge Orlando L. Garcia. CM WILL NOW REFLECT THE JUDGE INITIALS AS PART OF THE CASE NUMBER. PLEASE APPEND THESE JUDGE INITIALS TO THE CASE NUMBER ON EACH DOCUMENT THAT YOU FILE IN THIS CASE. (rqr)

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

PACER

If ordered by the court, all referrals will be assigned to Magistrate Judge Farrer (rqr)

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

PACER
17

Case electronically transferred in from District of Colorado- Denver Division; Case Number 1:25-cv-01741. (Entered: 06/13/2025)

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

PACER
18

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by Rebecca Ruth Webber on behalf of Susanna Dvortsin. Attorney Rebecca Ruth Webber added to party Susanna Dvortsin(pty:pet) (Webber, Rebecca) (Entered: 06/13/2025)

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

PACER
19

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Rebecca Ruth Webber ( Filing fee $ 100 receipt number ATXWDC-20329708) by on behalf of Susanna Dvortsin. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Webber, Rebecca) (Entered: 06/13/2025)

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

PACER
20

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Rebecca Ruth Webber ( Filing fee $ 100 receipt number ATXWDC-20330177) by on behalf of Susanna Dvortsin. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Webber, Rebecca) (Entered: 06/14/2025)

June 14, 2025

June 14, 2025

PACER
21

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Rebecca Ruth Webber ( Filing fee $ 100 receipt number ATXWDC-20339369) by on behalf of Susanna Dvortsin. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Webber, Rebecca) (Entered: 06/17/2025)

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

PACER

To be Referred to SA Mag Judge

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

PACER

Case Assigned/Reassigned

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

PACER
22

Opposed MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order to be Extended by Susanna Dvortsin. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Webber, Rebecca) (Entered: 06/17/2025)

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

PACER
23

STANDING ORDER for procedure in cases before Judge Garcia. All parties and counsel are directed to review Judge Garcia's Standing Order containing rules of practice, particularly the requirement of conference before filing a Motion to Dismiss under Federal Rule 12(b)(6). Failure to follow these rules of practice could result in the Court striking the Motion to Dismiss on its own initiative without further notice. Signed by Judge Orlando L. Garcia. (r013) (Entered: 06/18/2025)

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

RECAP

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

PACER
24

ORDER GRANTING 22 Motion for TRO. It is therefore ORDERED that, pursuant to the All Writs Act, 28 U.S.C. 1651(a) and Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(b), and in order to preserve the Court's Jurisdiction, Defendants SHALL NOT REMOVE Hayem El Gamal and her five children from the Western District of Texas or the United States unless or until this Court or the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals vacates this Order. It is further ORDERED that this TRO shall expire 14 days after its entry. A hearing on Petitioner's Motion will be set by separate order prior to the expiration of the TRO. Signed by Judge Orlando L. Garcia. (mgr) (Entered: 06/18/2025)

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

Clearinghouse

Text Order GRANTING 21 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Pursuant to our Administrative Policies and Procedures for Electronic Filing, the attorney hereby granted to practice pro hac vice in this case must register for electronic filing with our court within 10 days of this order. Registration is managed by the PACER Service Center. Entered by Judge Orlando L. Garcia. (This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.) (ROlc)

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

PACER

Text Order GRANTING 20 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Pursuant to our Administrative Policies and Procedures for Electronic Filing, the attorney hereby granted to practice pro hac vice in this case must register for electronic filing with our court within 10 days of this order. Registration is managed by the PACER Service Center. Entered by Judge Orlando L. Garcia. (This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.) (ROlc)

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

PACER

Text Order GRANTING 19 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Pursuant to our Administrative Policies and Procedures for Electronic Filing, the attorney hereby granted to practice pro hac vice in this case must register for electronic filing with our court within 10 days of this order. Registration is managed by the PACER Service Center. Entered by Judge Orlando L. Garcia. (This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.) (ROlc)

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

PACER
25

ORDER--The parties must submit written advisories-no later than Wednesday, June 25, 2025-regarding the following: whether Ms. El Gamal and her children are, in fact, being subjected to expedited removal proceedings as represented by the White House (see Dkt. No. 16 at 3-4, 7 n.7); and if not, whether there is any basis in law for the TRO to remain in effect or if it should be immediately dissolved; and whether the Court has jurisdiction to issue a show cause order or enter any further relief based on the current petition.. Signed by Judge Orlando L. Garcia. (rqr) (Entered: 06/23/2025)

June 23, 2025

June 23, 2025

RECAP
26

AMENDED COMPLAINT against Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Sylvester Ortega, Jose Rodriguez Jr. amending 1 Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus,,,., filed by Hayam El Gamal, Minor H.S., Minor O.S., Minor E.S., Minor A.S., H.S..(Lee, Eric) (Entered: 06/25/2025)

June 25, 2025

June 25, 2025

PACER
27

ADVISORY TO THE COURT by John Fabbricatore, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Sylvester Ortega, Jose Rodriguez Jr. . (McAndrew, Lacy) (Entered: 06/25/2025)

June 25, 2025

June 25, 2025

PACER
28

ADVISORY TO THE COURT by Minor A.S., Minor E.S., Hayam El Gamal, H.S., Minor H.S., Minor O.S. . (Lee, Eric) (Entered: 06/25/2025)

June 25, 2025

June 25, 2025

PACER
29

ORDER--Because the INA precludes judicial review of Petitioners' claims under the present circumstances related to their pre-removal discretionary detention, the Court finds that Petitioners' habeas proceeding and their claims in this case must be and hereby are DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJDUICE. This case is CLOSED. Signed by Judge Orlando L. Garcia. (nm) (Entered: 07/02/2025)

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

RECAP

Case Details