Egyptian Imam Ayman Soliman Released from Detention After Immigration Battle

Sun Sep 28 2025 23:33:02 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Ayman Soliman, an Egyptian immigrant and chaplain, has been released after weeks in detention. His case highlights the complexities of asylum and immigration processes in the U.S.

Ayman Soliman, who fled Egypt and served as an imam for 14 years, was detained during a routine immigration check. Following community support and legal efforts, he was released as his removal proceedings were terminated and asylum reinstated. Soliman expressed deep gratitude during a press conference, highlighting both the struggles of fellow detainees and the strength of community advocacy.

Ayman Soliman, an Egyptian immigrant who has worked as a chaplain for a Cincinnati hospital, was released Friday after weeks in detention.

Soliman was detained in July during a check-in with immigration officials. He served as an imam in Egypt for 14 years before fleeing to the United States in 2014, according to the Initiative on Islam and Medicine, where he serves as a board member.

Upon his release, Soliman thanked the community for advocating on his behalf and recalled how fellow detainees celebrated his return to freedom. His press conference was momentarily paused as attendees observed afternoon prayers.

“I can’t find words to describe this moment. This is beyond a dream,” he expressed while supporters, including religious leaders and children, held up signs reading 'Finally Home,' 'Home Is Here,' and 'Immigrants Welcome Here.' 'I will always be indebted to every one of you.'

Nazly Mamedova, one of Soliman’s attorneys, remarked that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security notified them that it had terminated his removal proceedings and reinstated his asylum status. 'All cases against him have been closed,' Mamedova confirmed, who was present when Soliman was released.

“I was so happy. I was crying and screaming,” Mamedova recalled. “It was just amazing to see him outside. He was so much happier after being deprived of sunlight for so long.”

Democratic Rep. Greg Landsman also expressed his relief over Soliman's release, stating, 'I’m glad that Ayman has been released and is on his way home and back to our Cincinnati community.'

Young United Souls for Revolutionary Action, a grassroots Muslim organization in Ohio, posted a video on their Instagram of a smiling Soliman post-release, exclaiming: 'IMAM AYMAN IS FREE! Alhamdulilah! Press conference details forthcoming! Thank you to everyone who has tirelessly worked for his release.'

According to his lawyers, Soliman was granted asylum in 2018 due to past persecution while reporting as a journalist during the Arab Spring uprising. He experienced imprisonment and torture for his reporting amidst Egypt's political unrest.

Soliman initially worked as a prison chaplain in Oregon but lost that position after the FBI flagged his background profile. He is in the process of suing for more information about the flag to clear his name.

In late 2024, a U.S. asylum officer initiated steps to revoke Soliman’s asylum status due to his board membership in a group labeled 'material support for terrorism' because of its alleged connections with the Muslim Brotherhood. This designation has not been officially recognized by the U.S. government, despite its consideration during Trump's presidency.

One of Soliman's lawyers debunked the allegations, highlighting that Al-Jameya al Shareya is a legitimate NGO providing community services and not a terrorist entity. His legal team suspects retaliation for his ongoing lawsuit.