An Egyptian immigrant who worked as a chaplain in Cincinnati was released Friday after enduring weeks in detention.
Ayman Soliman was detained during a July check-in with immigration officials. Previously, he served as an imam in Egypt for 14 years before relocating to the U.S. in 2014. He is also a board member of the Initiative on Islam and Medicine.
Post-release, Soliman addressed a crowd of supporters, expressing heartfelt thanks for their efforts. He shared a poignant moment when fellow detainees celebrated his freedom, and he paused for afternoon prayers during the press conference.
“I can't find words to describe this moment. This is beyond a dream,” he stated, with many attendees holding signs that read “Finally Home” and "Immigrants Welcome here." He remarked, “I will always be indebted to every one of you.”
His attorney, Nazly Mamedova, revealed that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security had officially terminated his removal proceedings, stating, “All cases against him have been closed.”
Moreover, Democratic Representative Greg Landsman expressed relief upon Soliman’s release, affirming his return to the Cincinnati community is a positive step.
A grassroots Muslim organization shared footage of Soliman's joyful release and thanked everyone involved in advocating for him.
Soliman’s detention followed claims of “material support for terrorism” due to his board membership in an organization associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, although the U.S. does not classify the group as a terrorist organization. Legal battles regarding his asylum status are ongoing, with accusations of retaliatory actions from the government following his lawsuits.
In 2018, Soliman had been granted asylum after facing persecution for his journalistic work during Egypt’s Arab Spring uprising. His lawyers argue that his board membership was approved when he was granted asylum.
