CINCINNATI, July 9, 2025 — Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained Ayman Soliman, a former chaplain at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and political asylum recipient, igniting fury among community members, religious leaders, and state lawmakers.

Soliman, an Egyptian native and former journalist who was tortured and detained in Egypt for his reporting, was taken into custody after a routine ICE check-in at the Homeland Security Office in Blue Ash, Ohio.

“Ayman Soliman is not a criminal,” said Christina Jump, his lead counsel. “He broke no laws. He poses no threat.”

Asylum Revoked After Years of Legal Residence

Soliman entered the U.S. legally in 2014 and was granted asylum in 2018. However, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services revoked his asylum status last month, after issuing a notice of intent to revoke in December 2024.

His lawyers argue that the revocation places Soliman at grave risk of persecution or death if returned to Egypt.

“He reported on dictatorship and suffered torture,” Jump said. “He came here seeking peace, and has given back through chaplaincy and interfaith service.”

Community and Lawmakers Rally in Protest

Roughly 75 supporters gathered for a press conference in Cincinnati, calling for Soliman’s release.

  • Tala Ali, of the Islamic Association of Cincinnati, said:
    “We are shocked. Our community is already vulnerable, and this detention is alarming.”

  • Ohio Rep. Karen Brownlee (D) declared:
    “The system failed Ayman. Congress must fix our immigration laws to protect people like him.”

  • Rep. Munira Abdullahi added:
    “Soliman has been a bridge to different faiths. This is not the democracy America promised.”

A History of Service and Scrutiny

Soliman previously served as a chaplain at Northwestern University and in the prison system, and sat on the board of the Clifton Mosque. He also filed lawsuits against the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Center after he appeared on a watchlist despite no criminal record.

Detainment Amid Ramped-Up Immigration Enforcement

Soliman’s detention comes amid escalated ICE activity under President Trump’s second term. On June 3, ICE conducted a record 2,200 arrests in one day, part of Trump’s expanded deportation efforts. A newly passed bill has granted ICE billions in additional funding.

“He came here for safety,” said Rep. Abdullahi. “Now he faces death if deported.”

For author: Staff Writer
Courtesy of: Associated Press
Source: The Huff Post