On June 4, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a sweeping new initiative in response to a tragic and high-profile terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado. Following the arrest of Mohammed Sabry Soliman—a 45-year-old Egyptian national accused of setting multiple people on fire—federal immigration authorities have pledged to aggressively ramp up enforcement against individuals who overstay their visas in the United States.

Soliman, who has been unlawfully present in the U.S. since 2022 after overstaying his visa, now faces both federal hate crime charges and multiple state felony charges. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem described the attack as “shocking” and condemned what she called the Biden Administration's failure to enforce existing immigration laws.

“Anyone who thinks they can come to America and advocate for antisemitic violence and terrorism – think again,” said Secretary Noem. “We will find you, deport you, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”

In the wake of this attack, DHS is directing three federal agencies—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)—to take coordinated, immediate action to identify and remove individuals who have overstayed their visas. This effort will involve an intensified review of immigration records and targeted enforcement actions nationwide.

What Is a Visa Overstay?

A visa overstay occurs when a noncitizen remains in the U.S. beyond the expiration of their authorized period of stay as shown on their I-94 travel record, even if their visa is still technically valid. Overstaying a visa is a violation of U.S. immigration law and can result in serious consequences, including deportation, reentry bars, and loss of eligibility for certain immigration benefits.

What Should Noncitizens Know?

At Saluja Law, we urge all noncitizens—especially those with temporary visas or pending immigration applications—to take this development seriously:

• Check Your I-94 Record: Know the date your authorized stay expires, which may differ from your visa's expiration date.

• Maintain Valid Status: If your circumstances have changed or your visa is nearing expiration, consult with an immigration attorney about options such as extensions, change of status, or adjustment of status.

• Pending Applications: Those who have already filed for an extension or change of status may remain lawfully in the U.S. while their applications are being processed—but keep documentation readily available.

• Avoid Public Confrontations: This initiative comes amid heightened public concern and political scrutiny. Remain aware of your rights and conduct yourself with caution in any interaction with law enforcement or immigration authorities.

Increased Scrutiny and Enforcement

While DHS states this crackdown is a response to a specific act of terrorism, the policy shift may affect thousands of immigrants—most of whom have no criminal record and have overstayed for reasons ranging from economic hardship to fear of persecution.

It is essential to understand that overstaying a visa does not equate to criminal intent or terrorism. Nevertheless, DHS's announcement signals a shift toward broader enforcement that may not distinguish between those with malicious intent and those with compelling humanitarian circumstances.

Our Commitment

At Saluja Law, we believe in due process and fair treatment for all individuals, regardless of nationality or immigration status. We will continue to monitor this evolving policy and provide up-to-date legal guidance to those affected.

If you or a loved one is currently out of status or concerned about the implications of this policy, contact our office immediately to explore your legal options. Do not wait until enforcement reaches your doorstep.

Stay informed. Stay protected. Stay empowered.

– The Team at Saluja Law
Fighting for fairness. Advocating for your future.