Cincinnati Imam Ayman Soliman Released from Detention Amid Immigration Turmoil

Thu Oct 16 2025 08:41:14 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

After weeks of uncertainty and community support, Imam Ayman Soliman, who fled Egypt and has been serving as a chaplain in Cincinnati, has been released from immigration detention.

Imam Ayman Soliman was released from detention, having faced immigration threats following his activism and journalism in Egypt. His release came after extensive community advocacy as he thanked supporters, expressing gratitude for their efforts on his behalf. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has reinstated his asylum status, ending the proceedings against him.

An Egyptian immigrant, Ayman Soliman, who has served as a chaplain for a Cincinnati hospital, was released from immigration detention on Friday after weeks of uncertainty and community support.

Soliman was detained in July during a check-in with immigration officials after fleeing Egypt in 2014, where he had served as an imam for 14 years. He is known for his activism and work with the Initiative on Islam and Medicine, where he is a board member. Following his release, Soliman expressed immense gratitude for community support, recalling a touching moment as fellow detainees celebrated his freedom.

“I can’t find words to describe this moment. This is beyond a dream,” he remarked at a press conference attended by supporters holding signs with messages like “Finally Home” and “Immigrants Welcome Here.” He stated, “I will always be indebted to every one of you.”

Soliman’s attorney, Nazly Mamedova, confirmed that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security sent a letter terminating his removal proceedings and restoring his asylum. “All cases against him have been closed,” Mamedova added, reflecting on the relief felt upon seeing Soliman free.

Democratic Rep. Greg Landsman welcomed Soliman back, stating it was a relief to see him return to the Cincinnati community. Young United Souls for Revolutionary Action, a grassroots Muslim organization, celebrated his release with a video of a jubilant Soliman, thanking everyone involved in the advocacy for his freedom.

Soliman was previously granted asylum in 2018 due to past persecution linked to his journalism during the Arab Spring uprising. However, recent actions by a U.S. asylum officer to terminate his asylum status raised eyebrows, especially given his board membership in an organization connected to the Muslim Brotherhood.

While the U.S. government has not designated the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group, the officer cited it as a reason for questioning Soliman’s activities. Soliman’s legal team asserts that their organization provides essential services to the community and have accused the government of retribution for his legal actions to clear his name.