After a violent assault in Boulder allegedly committed by an Egyptian national who overstayed his visa, the Department of Homeland Security has launched an overhaul of its immigration enforcement tip line to target criminals living in the U.S. illegally.
At a Glance
- DHS is revamping ICE’s 24/7 tip line following a violent Boulder attack
- Suspect Mohamed Soliman allegedly used a flamethrower on a pro-Israel group
- The line allows citizens to report illegal alien criminal activity including terrorism and trafficking
- Secretary Kristi Noem is reallocating personnel and resources to ICE enforcement
- Soliman’s relatives have been detained by immigration authorities
Boulder Attack Sparks Outrage
The May 31 attack in Boulder involved suspect Mohamed Soliman, who allegedly used a makeshift flamethrower on a group demonstrating in support of Israeli hostages. Authorities say Soliman had overstayed a visa, making his presence in the U.S. unlawful. No fatalities were reported, but the incident raised alarm over terrorism risks tied to immigration enforcement failures.
Public backlash intensified when it was revealed Soliman’s family members have also been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as investigators probe the full extent of the case. Officials argue this attack was not random but a preventable act of terror.
Watch a report: Flamethrower Attack in Boulder
DHS Takes Action
In response, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced a major expansion of ICE’s tip line—1-866-DHS-2-ICE—which allows individuals to report criminal activity committed by non-citizens. According to DHS, the revamped hotline will be staffed around the clock by trained personnel capable of handling tips related to terrorism, gang involvement, and human trafficking.
“Yesterday’s terrorist attack by a suspect illegally in our country underscores the importance of getting these illegal aliens out,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “We are finally giving Americans the tools to help keep their communities safe.”
Critics, however, warn the policy may inflame anti-immigrant sentiment and lead to racial profiling. DHS officials counter that the initiative targets only individuals who pose an active public safety risk and is part of a broader national security strategy.
A Broader Debate on Enforcement
Soliman’s immigration history has intensified scrutiny of how overstayed visas are tracked in the U.S. While some politicians cite the case as justification for stricter immigration controls, others warn that sweeping policies may penalize non-criminal undocumented immigrants.
Secretary Noem emphasized that the tip line is a corrective step after what she described as “years of neglect” under prior administrations. “This isn’t about politics,” she said. “This is about public safety.”
As the investigation into Soliman and his network continues, DHS encourages anyone with information on suspicious activity involving non-citizens to call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423). For officials, this is about more than one attack—it’s about making sure the next one doesn’t happen.
