On Monday, August 25, faith leaders along with Undivided, CAIR-Ohio (Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton), Young United Souls for Revolutionary Action (YUSRA), Ohio Immigrant Alliance, and other community advocates will hold a press conference in the Ladies Gallery of the Ohio Statehouse urging Governor DeWine to use the authority of his office to secure Imam Ayman Soliman’s release from detention, and ensure the restoration of his asylum status.

WHEN: Monday, August 25, 2025, at 11:00am ET

WHERE: Ladies Gallery, inside the Ohio Statehouse

After persecution and threats to his life in Egypt, Imam Ayman Soliman found his way to the US where he sought and was granted asylum. Imam Ayman, known as the "interfaith Imam," has since served and touched the lives of countless people and families, of all backgrounds and faiths. As a chaplain at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, he was locally renowned for his support of grieving families as he guided them through their children’s illnesses and, in some cases, passings. 

At a scheduled check-in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in July, Ayman was arrested and detained in the Butler County Jail where he remains. On Tuesday, August 26, Ayman has a hearing in the Cleveland immigration court. At issue is whether he could be deported to Egypt – an action that would surely be a death sentence for him. 

Governor DeWine must use his power to intervene and end this cruelty towards a beloved resident of Cincinnati, who has dedicated his life to his community. After the press conference, the faith leaders will deliver a letter signed by over 1,000 community leaders, families cared for by Ayman, clergy of all faiths, neighbors, friends, organizers, and fellow congregants to the Governor, urging him to take action.