Ayman Soliman, an Egyptian immigrant and chaplain for a Cincinnati hospital, was released from detention on Friday following weeks of advocacy and legal efforts from his community.
Detained in July during a routine check-in with immigration officials, Soliman has faced tumultuous challenges since fleeing his home country in 2014 after serving as an imam for 14 years. He has been active in the Initiative on Islam and Medicine, where he holds a board position.
After his release, Soliman thanked his supporters, and shared a heartfelt moment remembering how his fellow detainees celebrated his newfound freedom. His first press conference post-release coincided with afternoon prayers, solidifying the bond between his faith community and supporters.
“I can’t find words to describe this moment. This is beyond a dream,” Soliman told the crowd as they displayed banners proclaiming “Finally Home” and “Immigrants Welcome here.” He expressed deep gratitude, stating, “I will always be indebted to every one of you.”
His attorney, Nazly Mamedova, confirmed that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has closed all cases against him and reinstated his asylum status, allowing Soliman to return to his Cincinnati community.
Many joined in expressing joy over his release, including Democratic Rep. Greg Landsman, who highlighted the community’s role in advocating for Soliman and the importance of protecting immigrant rights.
Videos shared by the Young United Souls for Revolutionary Action, a grassroots Muslim organization, captured Soliman’s smiling moments upon release, highlighting the collective joy among those advocating for him.
His legal journey underscores ongoing debates surrounding immigration enforcement and asylum rights in the U.S., particularly concerning Soliman’s past as a journalist during the Arab Spring uprising, during which he faced persecution for reporting on political issues in Egypt.
Despite his release, legal complexities remain, as Soliman aims to clear his name regarding a flag placed on his background by the FBI which affected his employment and legal status.
