Key Takeaways
• Imam Ayman Soliman detained at Butler County jail after asylum revoked in June 2025.
• Legal team petitions court to keep him in Butler jail for safety and support.
• Community and advocacy groups call for his release and ICE detention reforms.
Imam Ayman Soliman, a respected chaplain at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, remains detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Butler County jail after his asylum status was revoked in June 2025. His legal team has petitioned the court to let him stay at Butler County jail, where he feels safer, instead of being moved to another ICE facility. The court’s decision is pending, and the Cincinnati community has rallied in support, calling for his release and raising questions about ICE’s treatment of religious leaders and healthcare workers.
Imam Ayman Soliman’s Detention: What Happened and Why
Imam Ayman Soliman, an Egyptian immigrant who has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for over ten years, was detained by ICE following a routine check-in. This happened soon after his asylum protection was revoked in June 2025. As a hospital chaplain and imam, Soliman has provided spiritual care and support to patients, families, and staff at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, as well as to the broader Muslim community in Cincinnati.
His detention at Butler County jail has sparked a strong response from the community. Hundreds of people, including hospital colleagues, faith leaders, and advocacy groups, have sent messages, held rallies, and called for his release. Many say his absence has left a deep emotional impact on those he served.
Legal Action: Petition to Stay at Butler County Jail
After being detained, Imam Ayman Soliman’s legal team filed a petition asking the court to let him remain at Butler County jail. They argue that moving him to another ICE facility could put his health and safety at risk. The court is reviewing this request, but as of July 15, 2025, no final decision has been made.
If the court denies the petition, Soliman could be transferred to another ICE facility, possibly farther from his family and legal counsel. If the court grants the petition, he will stay at Butler County jail while his legal appeals continue.
Community Response and Support
The Cincinnati community has shown strong support for Imam Ayman Soliman. Colleagues at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital have spoken out about his positive impact, saying he provided comfort and hope to many during difficult times. Faith leaders from different backgrounds have joined together to call for his release, showing unity across religious lines.
Advocacy organizations, such as the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) and the Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA), have played key roles in raising awareness and supporting his legal defense. CAIR-Ohio has called for his immediate release, pointing to his good standing in the community and concerns about his well-being in detention. MLFA has highlighted the legal complexities of his case and is helping with his defense.
Background: Immigration History and Asylum Revocation
Imam Ayman Soliman came to the United States 🇺🇸 from Egypt more than a decade ago. He sought asylum, a form of protection given to people who fear harm in their home country. Over the years, he built a life in Cincinnati, serving as a hospital chaplain and religious leader.
In June 2025, his asylum status was revoked. Legal experts say this can happen for several reasons, such as changes in the situation in the person’s home country, new evidence, or procedural issues. When asylum is revoked, the person can lose their right to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 and may face detention or deportation.
Key Stakeholders and Official Statements
Several groups and individuals have spoken out about Imam Ayman Soliman’s case:
- CAIR-Ohio: This organization has called for his immediate release, stressing his positive impact and the need to protect his rights.
- Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA): MLFA is supporting his legal defense and has explained the complex legal issues involved.
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital: Colleagues have shared public messages of support, describing the emotional toll of his detention on the hospital community.
ICE has not released a detailed public statement about the specifics of Soliman’s case as of July 15, 2025.
ICE Detention Practices and Policy Concerns
Imam Ayman Soliman’s detention highlights ongoing concerns about ICE’s practices, especially when it comes to people with strong community ties and no criminal history. Many advocacy groups argue that ICE should use “prosecutorial discretion,” which means choosing not to detain or deport people who have contributed positively to their communities.
The case also raises questions about how ICE treats religious leaders and healthcare chaplains. These individuals often play important roles in their communities, offering support during times of crisis. Detaining them can have wide-reaching effects, not just on the individual, but on the people they serve.
Community Impact and Calls for Reform
The detention of Imam Ayman Soliman has galvanized local advocacy efforts. Many in Cincinnati and beyond are calling for changes to ICE’s detention policies. They want more transparency in how decisions are made and better protections for people with deep community ties and humanitarian roles.
Some of the main concerns include:
- Separation from Family: Detention often means being separated from loved ones, which can cause emotional distress.
- Access to Legal Counsel: Being moved to a distant facility can make it harder for detainees to meet with their lawyers and prepare their cases.
- Health and Safety: Advocates worry about the conditions in some ICE facilities and the impact on detainees’ well-being.
Legal Process and Next Steps
Imam Ayman Soliman’s legal team is focused on the petition to keep him at Butler County jail. They argue that he feels safer and more supported there than he would at another ICE facility. The court is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks.
If the petition is denied, Soliman could be moved to another facility, which might be farther from his family and legal team. This could make it harder for him to fight his case and stay connected to his support network. If the petition is granted, he will remain at Butler County jail while his legal appeals continue.
Expert Analysis: What Legal Experts Say
Immigration attorneys explain that revoking asylum is a serious step that can happen for several reasons:
- Changes in Country Conditions: If the situation in the person’s home country improves, the U.S. government may decide they no longer need protection.
- Procedural Issues: Sometimes, problems with paperwork or missed deadlines can lead to revocation.
- New Evidence: If new information comes to light, it can affect the person’s asylum status.
Legal experts stress the importance of due process, which means giving each person a fair and individualized review of their case. They also point out that people like Imam Ayman Soliman, who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for many years and have strong community ties, should be treated with care and respect.
Multiple Perspectives: Advocacy Groups and ICE
Advocacy groups, including CAIR-Ohio and MLFA, argue that Soliman’s detention is unjust. They urge ICE to use discretion and release him, especially since he has no criminal history and has made positive contributions to the community.
ICE, on the other hand, has not provided detailed comments on this specific case. In general, ICE says it follows the law and reviews each case individually. However, critics say the agency should do more to consider humanitarian factors and community impact.
Future Outlook: What Happens Next?
The immediate focus is on the court’s decision about whether Imam Ayman Soliman can stay at Butler County jail. Meanwhile, advocacy groups continue to push for his release and challenge the revocation of his asylum status.
This case has also sparked broader calls for reform. Many want ICE to change its detention practices, especially for people with deep community ties and humanitarian roles. They argue that the current system can be harsh and lacks transparency.
How to Support and Stay Informed
For those who want to help or stay updated on Imam Ayman Soliman’s case, there are several options:
- Contact CAIR-Ohio: This organization is leading advocacy efforts and provides updates on the case. Visit CAIR-Ohio’s website for more information.
- Support MLFA: The Muslim Legal Fund of America is handling legal support. Their website offers updates and ways to contribute.
- Check ICE Detainee Status: Family and legal representatives can use the ICE Detainee Locator System to check the status of detainees.
Policy Implications: What This Means for Others
Imam Ayman Soliman’s case is not unique. Many immigrants in the United States 🇺🇸 face similar challenges, especially when their legal status changes. The case highlights the need for:
- Clearer Policies: Many advocates want ICE to be more transparent about how it decides who to detain and why.
- Better Protections: There are calls for stronger protections for people with deep community ties, such as religious leaders, healthcare workers, and others who serve the public.
- Access to Legal Help: Ensuring that detainees can meet with their lawyers and have a fair chance to present their cases.
Personal Impact: Voices from the Community
Colleagues at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital have described the emotional toll of Imam Ayman Soliman’s detention. One staff member said, “He was always there for families in their hardest moments. His absence is deeply felt.” Faith leaders from different backgrounds have also spoken out, saying his detention hurts not just the Muslim community, but the entire city.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, cases like Soliman’s often bring together people from different walks of life, showing the power of community support in times of crisis.
Practical Guidance for Affected Individuals
If you or someone you know is facing similar immigration challenges, here are some steps to consider:
- Seek Legal Help: Contact a qualified immigration attorney or legal aid organization as soon as possible.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with changes in immigration law and policy. Official resources like the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website provide up-to-date information.
- Connect with Advocacy Groups: Organizations like CAIR-Ohio and MLFA can offer support and guidance.
- Document Everything: Keep records of all communications with ICE and other authorities, as well as copies of important documents.
Conclusion: The Broader Significance
The case of Imam Ayman Soliman in Cincinnati shows how immigration enforcement can affect not just individuals, but entire communities. His detention at Butler County jail has sparked a wave of support and raised important questions about ICE’s practices, the treatment of religious and healthcare leaders, and the need for policy reform.
As the court reviews his petition to remain at Butler County jail, many are watching closely, hoping for a decision that recognizes his contributions and protects his rights. The outcome will not only shape Soliman’s future, but could also influence how similar cases are handled across the United States 🇺🇸.
For now, the community continues to rally, advocacy groups push for change, and the legal process moves forward—reminding everyone of the human stories behind immigration policy and enforcement.
Learn Today
Asylum → Protection granted to immigrants fearing persecution or harm in their home country.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency responsible for immigration enforcement and detention.
Petition → A legal request submitted to a court seeking approval or relief.
Revocation → The cancellation of a previously granted legal status or right, such as asylum.
Prosecutorial discretion → The authority to decide whether to enforce laws or pursue legal actions like detention.
This Article in a Nutshell
Imam Ayman Soliman’s detention after asylum revocation sparked local outcry. The court may allow him to stay in Butler County jail, preserving vital legal and community support.
— By VisaVerge.com
