The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) has called for the immediate release of Imam Ayman Soliman, a respected Muslim chaplain at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and imam at Clifton Mosque, who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
SEE: Former Cincinnati Children’s chaplain detained by ICE – USA Today
Imam Ayman Soliman immigrated to the United States from Egypt over a decade ago and was granted asylum based on credible fears of political persecution. He has no criminal record and has lived here for years under lawful asylum status. In December 2024, his asylum was unexpectedly revoked without clear explanation or due process.
He was detained during a routine ICE check-in. Imam Ayman is widely respected for his service to the Cincinnati community, including his role as the first official Islamic chaplain at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where he has provided essential spiritual care to patients and families.
His detention raises serious concerns about due process and the integrity of the U.S. asylum system. Given his history of political activism in Egypt, Imam Ayman faces grave risk of persecution, imprisonment, or even death if deported.
CAIR Ohio strongly condemns this unjust detention and calls on federal immigration authorities to:
- Immediately release Imam Ayman Soliman and halt deportation proceedings
- Restore his asylum status.
- Ensure full transparency in ICE’s decision making and uphold all legal protections for asylum seekers.
In a statement, CAIR-OH Executive Director Khalid Turaani said:
“This is an unconscionable abuse of power that puts the life of a kind and dedicated community leader at risk. Imam Ayman has served Cincinnati with compassion and integrity. Revoking his asylum without cause or process is not only cruel, it is a betrayal of America’s values. We demand his immediate release and a full investigation into this injustice.”
In a statement, CAIR-OH Staff AttorneyBilal Ahmed, Esq., said:
“Imam Ayman’s shockingly abrupt detention raises great concerns regarding potential due process violations. Imam Ayman came to the United States from Egypt to escape precisely the type of arbitrary detention he is facing now. We are truly saddened by the developments in his case, but remain committed to assisting Imam Ayman in whatever capacity we can.”
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, with three offices in Ohio – Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. The organization is dedicated to enhancing understanding of Islam, protecting civil rights, promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACTS: Khalid Turaani, Executive Director, CAIR Ohio, kturaani@cair.com; Bilal Ahmed, Staff Attorney, CAIR Ohio, b.ahmed@cair.com; Caisha Abdullahi, Government Affairs and Outreach Coordinator, CAIR Ohio, cabdullahi@cair.com
