CAIR-Ohio Joins Faith Leaders in Urging Gov. DeWine to Stop Deportation of Imam Ayman Soliman

by Khalid Turaani in 2025, July, press release, Recent News

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, Ohio (CAIR-Ohio) yesterday joined dozens of interfaith leaders and community members at the Ohio Statehouse to deliver a letter to Governor Mike DeWine, urging him to act immediately to prevent the deportation of Imam Ayman Soliman, a Cincinnati imam and hospital chaplain currently being held in ICE custody.

More than 1,100 Ohioans have signed on in support of Imam Soliman, calling on the Governor to intervene before his scheduled hearing on Tuesday, August 26, in Cleveland. Advocates warn that deportation would place him in imminent danger if returned to Egypt, amounting to what faith leaders have called a “death sentence.”

“Imam Ayman has dedicated his life to serving Ohio families with compassion and faith,” said Khalid Turaani, Executive Director of CAIR-Ohio (Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton). “Governor DeWine has both the moral and political responsibility to ensure that an Ohio faith leader is not deported to certain harm. We urge him to act before it is too late.”

Since his detention last month, CAIR-Ohio has stood alongside interfaith partners, immigrant rights advocates, and legal representatives in calling for Imam Soliman’s release. His case has drawn widespread attention, with faith leaders across traditions joining together to defend his right to remain with his family and congregation in Ohio.

CAIR-Ohio will continue to advocate for Imam Soliman and calls on community members to raise their voices until he is freed and safe from deportation.

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.

END

CONTACT: Khalid Turaani, Executive Director, CAIR Ohio, kturaani@cair.com

CAIR Ohio Calls for Immediate Release of Cincinnati Chaplain Detained by ICE

by Khalid Turaani in 2025, July, press release, Recent News

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

Webinar: Travel Advisory Workshop

by Khalid Turaani in 2025, May, Recent News

Webinar Details

Title: Travel Advisory Workshop
Date: May 22, 2025
Time: 7:00PM
Location: Online (Zoom link provided upon registration)

REGISTER NOW
(Space is limited—secure your spot today!)

CAIR-Ohio is committed to informing and empowering communities through education and action. This webinar will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to protect yourself and stand in solidarity with those most affected.

Together, we can challenge discriminatory policies and protect our communities from harm.

Webinar: What’s at Stake, Understanding the New Immigration Registry

by Khalid Turaani in 2025, April, Recent News

Webinar Details

Title: What’s at Stake: Understanding the New Immigration Registry
Date: April 23, 2025
Time: 7:00PM
Location: Online (Zoom link provided upon registration)

REGISTER NOW
(Space is limited—secure your spot today!)

During this webinar, CAIR-Ohio’s legal experts and immigration advocates will break down:

  • What the new immigration registry is: Who is required to register and why.
  • Legal risks for non-compliance: Fines, detention, and possible criminal charges.
  • Steps to protect yourself: What undocumented individuals and families should do now.
  • Impact on immigrant communities: How this policy could increase surveillance, fear, and marginalization.
  • Community mobilization: How we can advocate for fairness, rights, and dignity.

Who Should Attend:

  • Individuals and families directly impacted by immigration policies
  • Community leaders, organizers, and service providers
  • Legal professionals, social workers, and educators
  • Anyone concerned about immigrant rights and due process

 

CAIR-Ohio is committed to informing and empowering communities through education and action. This webinar will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to protect yourself and stand in solidarity with those most affected.

Together, we can challenge discriminatory policies and protect our communities from harm.

CAIR-OH Calls for Hate Crime Probe into Islamophobic Letter Sent to Muslim Woman’s Home

by Khalid Turaani in 2025, April, Recent News

CAIR-OH Calls for Hate Crime Probe into Islamophobic Letter Sent to Muslim Woman’s Home

(COLUMBUS, OH, 4/16/2025) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OH) today called for a hate crime probe into an Islamophobic and threatening letter sent to a Muslim University of Cincinnati student’s home.

The woman, who heads the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter at her college, received a long letter filled with anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian insults. She recently moved to the house to which the letter was sent, and the address wasn’t on her license, BMV records, or White Pages. The woman went to campus police and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, who told her to get “bear mace” and remain hypervigilant.

SEE: UC Student Sent Islamophobic Letter to Home Address

In a statement, CAIR-OH Columbus |Cincinnati |Dayton Executive Director, Khalid Turaani said:

“We call on UC and local law enforcement to investigate this incident as a hate crime. Ignoring these threats in this atmosphere of intimidation of pro-Palestinian voices emboldens bigots. These threats cannot be allowed to escalate to violence against students protesting the genocide in Palestine.”

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.

La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.      

END 

CONTACT: Khalid Turaani, CAIR-Ohio Executive Director, Kturaani@cair.com, 614-401-6692

Press Conference: Demanding Justice for Somali Family Targeted in Violent Hate Crime

by Khalid Turaani in 2025, April, press release, Recent News

COLUMBUS — In a press conference, the Columbus and Cincinnati Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), United Bantu of Ohio, and partner organizations lamented the lack of action from the Columbus Division of Police following a violent hate crime on March 20, and called for an immediate response.

On the same day, the Columbus Dispatch revealed new details about the poor investigation conducted by the Columbus Division of Police. The entire attack was captured on video, including the physical assault against Faith*, an Ohio mom, and a death threat made against her entire family. Faith immediately contacted the police, who came and interviewed the assailants — but made no arrests.

The attackers are known to the victim, the police, and the apartment complex, which forced the individuals to move out. The entire ordeal was captured on video. The assailants even showed their anti-immigrant bias in a post-assault interview with police, saying that Faith addressed them “in whatever (expletive) language she speaks.”

Three weeks later, the victim and her community are still waiting for arrests to be made. Faith, the victim, and the leaders supporting her are shocked that no charges have yet been filed. 

Community leader Anisa Liban emceed the press conference. Speakers were:

  • Khalid Turaani, Executive Director of CAIR-Ohio’s Columbus and Cincinnati Chapter 
  • Deqa Haji, Executive Director of Zamzam Women & Family Center
  • Lynn Tramonte, Executive Director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance
  • Ali Hussein, President of United Bantu of Ohio

Their demands of the Columbus Police include:

  • Fully prosecuting the assailants with appropriate charges for this hate crime.
  • Subpoenaing and reviewing all available CCTV footage from apartment complex and surrounding businesses.
  • Ensuring that law enforcement officers receive proper training in cultural competency and sensitivity, to better serve our diverse community.

*We are using an alias to protect the family’s identity.

Press Release: CAIR-Ohio Condemns Arrest of University of Cincinnati Student Over Palestinian Flag, Citing Free Speech Violations

by Khalid Turaani in 2025, April, press release, Recent News
CAIR-Ohio Condemns Arrest of a University of Cincinnati Student
(COLUMBUS, OHIO, 4/3/2025) – The Columbus- and Cincinnati-based Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the arrest of a University of Cincinnati student by law enforcement allegedly for waiving a Palestinian flag.
SEE: Police Arrest a Student Activist at University of Cincinnati
On April 1, videos showed five police officers arresting a student activist on University of Cincinnati’s campus. CAIR-Ohio is concerned that the incident is part of the increased hostility on college campuses toward student activists over pro-Palestinian, anti-genocide views and the use of Palestinian symbols. 
“We unequivocally condemn the arrest of student activists and the alleged attack on free speech and academic freedom. We are appalled by these reported acts of aggression targeting those opposed to the genocide in Gaza and call on all Americans to defend the right to free speech,’’ said Khalid Turaani, Executive Director of CAIR-Ohio, Columbus, Cinnicnnnati and Dayton.
 
This arrest on the University of Cincinnati’s campus follows a series of arrests nationwide including Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil, Georgetown Scholar Badar Khan Suri and Tufts PhD student Rumeysa Ozturk, among at least a dozen others who remain in government custody.
SEE: What we know about the college activists detained by federal agents | CNN  
The increased arrests by local police and FBI agents have led to the forced disappearings of students to detention facilities in Louisiana and the immediate revoking of their visas.  In Khalil’s case, he was told his green card had been revoked, a statement that was later blocked by a federal judge and requires evidence not yet provided by the Trump Administration.
SEE: What to Know About Mahmoud Khalil and His Green Card Status | TIME
CAIR-Ohio expresses solidarity with student activists nationwide and is committed to pursuing any incidents of harassment, discrimination, or intimidation to protect the civil rights, dignity, and safety of all individuals, regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity. To report an incident, file this form.
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.

Press Release: CAIR-Ohio, Columbus Expresses Solidarity with Springfield’s Haitian Community Targeted by Racist Insults

by Khalid Turaani in 2025, February, press release, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OHIO, 2/13/2025) – The Columbus-based Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the latest racist insults directed at the Haitian Community in Springfield, Ohio, in a city commission meeting.

CAIR-Ohio expressed solidarity with the Haitian community locally and nationally as it continues to face the consequences of rumors sparked last year by President Trump and Vice President Vance.

Although City officials confirmed the baselessness of Trump’s allegations multiple times, Springfield, Ohio, has received more than 30 bomb threats, an uptick in hate crimes and Neo-Nazi rallies and campaigns, both in person and online.

The latest incident of Haitian-targeted racism occurred on Tuesday, Feb. 11, when a man reportedly made racist comments comparing the intelligence of Haitians to dogs at a city commission meeting. Springfield Mayor Rob Rue and City Commissioner Krystal Brown defended their community, removing the aggressor and a supporter.

SEE: City officials push back against racist insults to Haitians at public meeting

“We condemn this racist rhetoric and all other bigoted attacks targeting the Haitian community in Springfield,” said CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Khalid Turaani. “The spread of this despicable hatred must be stopped, and we must come together as a community to repudiate all forms of bigotry. We stand in solidarity with the Haitian community as it deals with these hate incidents.”  

Turaani added that CAIR expressed solidarity with the Haitian community nationwide as it has been targeted by an online racist hate campaign.

He added that CAIR-Ohio is committed to fighting bigotry and has recently condemned a banner and flags with Nazi swastikas and white supremacist statements put up by a group of neo-Nazis on a highway overpass in a historically Black community.

SEE: CAIR-Ohio Condemns Neo-Nazi Group’s Hate Event in Historically Black Neighborhood

As of February 5th, Springfield Mayor Rob Rue and several other local officials filed a lawsuit on behalf of the City of Springfield against the Neo-Nazi group, Blood Tribe, for “engaging and enticing a campaign of harassment and intimidation, motivated by ethnic and racial hatred.’’

SEE: Springfield Ohio Sues Neo-Nazi Group

 CAIR-Ohio is committed to pursuing any incidents of harassment, discrimination, or intimidation to protect the civil rights, dignity, and safety of all individuals, regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity. To report an incident, file this form.

ACTION ALERT:Stop Ohio Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) and Protect Academic Freedom

by Khalid Turaani in 2025, February, Recent News, Take Action
Take Action

Join the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) to urge your State Representative to oppose Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), which poses a direct threat to academic freedom, faculty rights, student activism, and the independence of Ohio’s higher education system.

This legislation is vague, overbroad, and ripe for misuse. It would give state schools broad discretion to suppress speech the state disfavors while permitting other viewpoints, effectively creating a double standard. If enacted, SB 1 would allow universities to crack down on speech critical of state policies—such as pro-Palestinian advocacy—while allowing other viewpoints to flourish unchecked.

SB 1 also undermines free expression and faculty protections by enforcing political interference, restricting open dialogue, and creating a chilling effect on academic discourse. If enacted, SB 1 will result in severe and lasting damage, including:

  • Government-Imposed Restrictions on Free Speech – By forcing universities to remain “neutral” on pressing social and political issues, SB 1 censors debate and stifles critical thinking. Learning institutions should be spaces of open inquiry, not state-controlled silos of silence.

  • Stripping Faculty Rights and Job Protections – The bill bans faculty strikes and implements excessive post-tenure reviews, undermining academic independence and faculty advocacy. Educators should not fear retribution for engaging in discourse that challenges political ideologies.

  • Politicized, State-Controlled Curriculum – By mandating a state-approved civics course, SB 1 paves the way for government intervention in education, historical revisionism, and ideological control over course content. Higher education must foster independent thought, not state-driven narratives.

  • Silencing Student Advocacy – The ability to protest and organize is fundamental to democracy. SB 1 discourages student activism, making it harder for students to voice concerns on issues affecting their lives and education.

Take Action