Ayman Soliman, a prominent imam and former interfaith chaplain, was released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention on July 28, 2023, after spending 72 days in custody. His release followed the decision by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to rescind the termination of his asylum status, a significant development that has drawn widespread community support and advocacy.
In a heartfelt address at the Clifton Mosque in Cincinnati, Ohio, shortly after his release, Soliman expressed gratitude to his supporters and the surrounding community. “It is just as our Christian friends call it, a rebirth. I am reborn today,” he stated. Soliman emphasized the importance 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 on July 9 during a routine check-in with ICE after his asylum status was terminated, purportedly due to allegations that he supported a terrorist organization in Egypt. His legal team, led by attorney Robert Ratliff, maintained that these allegations were unfounded and based on misinterpretations. Ratliff described the case as a culmination of various problems, suggesting that it indicated a targeted approach against Soliman.
The release prompted a wave of relief among his supporters. Community members had rallied on his behalf, organizing vigils and protests, including one that became chaotic when police intervened. A video shared by local activist group Young United Souls for Revolutionary Action captured the moment Soliman exited the Butler County Jail, greeted by friends and well-wishers.
Rev. Elizabeth Diop, a fellow chaplain who lost her job for publicly advocating for Soliman, expressed profound relief at his release. “I was so scared. I didn’t realize how scared until I got word he had been released,” she noted, emphasizing the overwhelming gratitude felt within the community.
The allegations that led to Soliman’s detention stemmed from a June notification by USCIS regarding the revocation of his asylum status, which had initially been granted in 2018. His lawyers asserted that the claims of terrorist affiliation were without merit. Following appeals and community advocacy, the government filed a motion to terminate Soliman’s removal proceedings on the same day he was released.
In a statement, a representative from the Department of Homeland Security acknowledged that immigrants are not shielded from enforcement actions even with pending applications or lawful status, but did not provide further details regarding Soliman’s case.
With the reinstatement of his asylum status, Soliman plans to apply for a green card, which will help him reunite with family members he left behind due to fears of political persecution in Egypt.
As he addressed supporters, Soliman reflected on the impact of advocacy and the importance of speaking out against unjust practices. “The noise you make makes a difference. Don’t underestimate your voice,” he urged, reinforcing the power of community in the face of adversity.
As he begins to reacclimate to normal life, Soliman expressed his intention to take time for himself, focusing on personal well-being after his challenging ordeal. The imam’s release not only marks a significant personal victory but also highlights broader issues within the immigration system and the importance of community engagement in advocating for justice.