(OHIO) Ayman Soliman, a former Cincinnati Children’s Hospital chaplain and Egyptian asylee, walked out of ICE detention in Ohio on Friday, September 19, 2025, after 72 days in custody. The government dropped its case against him and asylum reinstated his status, ending a fast-moving saga that began when U.S. authorities revoked his protection on June 3, 2025, over alleged, unproven ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. Soliman’s legal team said the government had no substantial evidence. The Department of Homeland Security declined to share details, citing policy on individual cases. Key questions about why ICE detained him and tried to deport him remain unanswered.
Soliman was detained at an ICE check-in on July 9, 2025, weeks after his asylum was stripped. He says he fled Egypt in 2014 after repeated detention and torture for his dissident political views. The United States granted him asylum in 2018. U.S. officials later said he had volunteered with a charity in Egypt they suggested could be linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, which the U.S. has not designated as a terrorist organization. Soliman and his lawyers denied any connection and called the group a reputable charity that is not banned in the United States.
His case sparked national attention and intense local support. Demonstrators rallied for his release. Two hospital chaplains lost their jobs after backing him publicly, and police arrested journalists who covered a protest march. By mid-September, his lawyers were preparing to challenge the government’s claims in court. Then, without warning, the government ended the case and released him. “There was never a proper basis,” his supporters said, noting the absence of specific accusations of wrongdoing.
Detention timeline and immediate impacts
The timeline moved quickly and left many confused:
- June 3, 2025: Asylum revoked based on alleged ties to a group the U.S. has not designated as a terrorist organization.
- July 9, 2025: ICE detention begins during a routine check-in.
- September 19, 2025: Released from ICE custody; asylum reinstated; deportation effort dropped.
During those 72 days, Soliman says he felt traumatized by the separation from his family and the uncertainty about his future. He thanked supporters for steady pressure and said he plans to focus on healing and daily life.
- He lost his hospital chaplain job and has not decided whether to seek reinstatement.
- He plans to apply for U.S. citizenship when eligible.
The allegations centered on volunteer work he did years earlier. Independent academics and his legal team pushed back, saying the government’s evidence was thin and misread basic facts about civil society in Egypt. There were:
- No specific acts tied to Soliman,
- No criminal charges filed,
- Supporters arguing the case shows how quickly lawful asylum can be shaken by claims that never reach a full hearing.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, people with asylum can face ICE detention if the government moves to revoke protection, and they should seek legal help immediately. Urgent concerns in such cases include:
- access to counsel,
- language services,
- medical care,
- and the disruption to jobs and family life during weeks-long detention.
Soliman’s supporters emphasize that those 72 days came at a high personal cost, even though the government ultimately dropped its case.
“There was never a proper basis.” — supporters and legal team
Legal context: revocation of asylum and detention
Under U.S. law, asylum can be revoked if the government later claims a person is barred from protection for certain security-related grounds. When the government pursues revocation:
- ICE may detain the person pending review.
- The government must meet its burden before a judge if it seeks to remove protection.
- Standards and procedures are complex and fact-dependent.
The sudden turn in Soliman’s case—detention, then release with asylum reinstated—illustrates that outcomes often hinge on the strength of the administrative record and the government’s decision to proceed.
Key legal and policy questions raised by this case:
- What evidentiary standards apply when allegations involve groups not banned in the U.S.?
- Is guilt by association a lawful basis to revoke protection?
- How transparent should DHS be when detention and revocation actions are filed against community members?
DHS declined to explain why the case collapsed, leaving unanswered questions for advocates, employers, and local officials who must respond when a well-known community member is suddenly detained.
Practical steps for asylees and advocates
For community members and asylees worried by this case, several practical steps may help reduce risk and prepare for challenges:
- Keep copies of all asylum documents, court orders, and work authorization cards.
- Bring an attorney or accredited representative to routine ICE check-ins when possible.
- If asylum is threatened, ask counsel about:
- filing motions,
- seeking bond,
- preparing country-condition evidence from recognized experts.
- Track deadlines for biometrics, interviews, and notices. Missing a notice can cause extra risk.
Official resources and forms referenced:
- USCIS Asylum: USCIS Asylum
- Direct form links:
- Form I-589 — Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal
- Form N-400 — Application for Naturalization
Community, employer, and family consequences
The case shows the ripple effects when an asylee is detained:
- Employers (such as hospitals) may run internal reviews and take employment actions even without criminal charges.
- Two chaplains were fired after supporting Soliman publicly, demonstrating potential career consequences for advocates.
- Families can face immediate financial and emotional harm: loss of caretaker, loss of income, and erosion of a sense of safety.
- Faith leaders who visited Soliman reported increasing stress and mounting legal costs as detention stretched into weeks.
When the government finally released him and asylum reinstated his status, relief was tempered by lingering financial and emotional strain.
What happens next for Soliman and broader implications
As of September 26, 2025, Soliman is free and weighing next steps, including possible U.S. citizenship. His supporters plan to press for clearer standards and faster reviews in revocation cases to prevent months-long detention before a hearing.
This case is likely to remain a reference point for asylees and advocates across the United States. It highlights several takeaways:
- Immigration status can be put at risk quickly, even after years of stable life in the U.S.
- Public attention and vigorous legal advocacy can influence outcomes.
- Lack of public explanation from DHS leaves important questions unanswered.
For now, the specific reasons for Soliman’s detention and attempted deportation remain unclear, even as he rebuilds his life in Ohio and considers the future he came to the United States to find. 🇺🇸
This Article in a Nutshell
Ayman Soliman, a former Cincinnati Children’s Hospital chaplain and Egyptian asylee, was detained by ICE on July 9, 2025, after U.S. authorities revoked his asylum on June 3, 2025, citing alleged ties to a charity linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. Soliman and his legal team denied the allegations and argued the government lacked substantial evidence. After 72 days in detention, the government dropped its case and reinstated his asylum on September 19, 2025. The episode prompted public protests, job losses for supporters, and questions about transparency and evidentiary standards in asylum revocation. Advocates urge clearer procedures, access to counsel, and protections for asylees during administrative reviews.
