HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Ohio imam detained by ICE released after weeks in custody; DHS drops deportation case

Sep 25, 2025 · Cincinnati, OH, Egypt

Ohio imam detained by ICE released after weeks in custody; DHS drops deportation case

Ayman Soliman, an Egyptian-born imam and hospital chaplain at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, was detained by ICE on July 9, 2025, during a routine immigration check-in appointment after USCIS terminated his asylum status. Authorities alleged he provided material support to terrorists through involvement with an Egyptian charity organization. During approximately 10 weeks in custody at Butler County Jail, Soliman was held in freezing conditions, placed in isolation, and denied access to his attorney. The Department of Homeland Security subsequently withdrew its deportation case after court filings documented errors and inconsistencies in the government's evidence. Soliman was released in mid-to-late September 2025, his asylum status was reinstated, and his green card application was revived.

Timeline

Jul 9, 2025Ayman Soliman detained by ICE during routine check-in appointment at immigration office; USCIS had terminated his asylum status citing allegations of material support to terrorist organization
Jul 9, 2025Soliman held at Butler County Jail for approximately 10 weeks; reported conditions included freezing temperatures, five-day isolation period, and denial of attorney access and commissary
Sep 25, 2025Soliman released from custody; asylum status reinstated and green card application revived
Sep 19, 2025Department of Homeland Security withdrew deportation case after court filings documented errors and inconsistencies in government evidence

Sources

More incidents in Ohio