Ayman Soliman, a prominent imam and interfaith chaplain, has been released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after spending 72 days in detention. His release on July 9, 2023, followed a public outcry and advocacy efforts from community members and fellow clergy.
Upon his release from the Butler County Jail in Ohio, Soliman expressed immense gratitude to those who supported him. He addressed a gathering at the Clifton Mosque, stating, “It is just as our Christian friends call it, a rebirth. I am reborn today.” He emphasized that his freedom was a result of community advocacy and his faith, quoting the Prophet Muhammad: “You can’t be thankful to God until you are thankful to people first.”
Soliman was detained following a routine check-in with ICE after his asylum status was terminated a month prior. His legal team received notification on the morning of his release that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) intended to reinstate his asylum status and terminate the removal proceedings against him. Robert Ratliff, Soliman’s lawyer, described the government’s actions as surprising but welcomed, stating, “This was always a stretch from the beginning, and it just reeked of somebody targeting him.”
The imam’s detention sparked significant public support in the tri-state area, leading to vigils, open letters to officials, and fundraising efforts. Events included a protest across the Roebling Bridge, which escalated into chaos, resulting in injuries and arrests. A video shared by the activist group Young United Souls for Revolutionary Action captured Soliman’s emotional release, showing him greeted by friends and supporters.
Community Response and Legal Developments
Soliman’s role as an interfaith chaplain at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital had endeared him to many in the local community. His legal troubles began when USCIS announced plans to revoke his asylum status, alleging connections to a Tier III terrorist organization during his time in Egypt. Soliman and his supporters have consistently denied these claims, asserting they are based on misunderstandings and inaccuracies.
Ratliff noted discrepancies in the termination notices from USCIS, highlighting issues that may have contributed to Soliman’s detention. He warned that this case reflects a broader pattern of aggressive immigration enforcement by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “If you have the right to stay in the United States, and if you have the ability to fight it, you’re going to have to be extremely detailed and aggressive about pursuing your relief,” he said.
In a statement, a DHS official reiterated that immigrants, even those with pending applications or lawful status, are not shielded from immigration enforcement actions. The official also noted that USCIS cannot discuss specific details of individual cases.
Next Steps and Future Aspirations
With his asylum status reinstated, Soliman can now focus on his immigration status moving forward. Ratliff indicated that Soliman’s next step will be to apply for a green card, bringing him closer to reuniting with family members he left behind due to the threat of political persecution in Egypt.
Reflecting on his time in detention, Soliman expressed his desire to reacclimate to normal life. He plans to catch up on sleep, enjoy regular meals, and take time to process the mental impact of his experience. “I can’t believe that I was free,” he remarked after sharing a meal with supporters.
In a powerful closing address, Soliman criticized the previous administration’s immigration policies, asserting, “We have been told that they were detaining and deporting the worst of the worst, and I can tell you firsthand that I’ve seen the best of the best, unjustly detained and unjustly deported.” He urged attendees to recognize the power of their voices, stating, “The noise you make makes a difference. Don’t underestimate your voice.”
As the call to prayer echoed through the mosque, Soliman’s supporters celebrated his release, reflecting a community’s resilience and commitment to advocating for justice.
