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"How many times does one person have to safe his own life before he can stop moving, and live in peace?" asked Lynn Tramonte, Executive Director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance. "How much good does he have to put out into the world, before Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will just let him be? Imam Ayman Soliman was arrested July 9 at the Cincinnati ICE office, despite having won his asylum case years ago, despite being a comfort to so many children and families, and Ohio became a poorer, sicker, dimmer place because of it."
Ayman served as a chaplain at Cincinnati Children's Hospital until recently, when his work permit was abruptly revoked by ICE. His asylum status was also inexplicably revoked, years after winning his legal case.
Hear from Imam Ayman before he was detained, and Rep. Munira Abdullahi after.Demba Babaly Ndiath, Advocacy Director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, added, “In the United States, no one be afraid to show up for a check-in with ICE. Following the law and respecting due process should not result in being handcuffed and jailed. Detaining Imam Soliman, a man of peace and compassion, simply for adhering to the rules is not only terrifying — it is wrong. This betrayal of justice sends a chilling message to all who believe in the promise of fairness and religious freedom in this country.”
Tramonte continued, "Imam Ayman doesn't simply face danger if deported to Egypt, but certain death. His case is the reason why asylum exists in the first place. The fact that Ayman won his legal case years ago, and is now being forced to repeat it again from behind bars — or be sent back to a country where he will be killed — is just another torture. It's an obvious example of the Islamophobia that exists in U.S. policy today."
She added, "The fact is, Imam Ayman has given comfort to many people in Ohio and beyond — friends and strangers alike. He is known as a bridge builder, and beloved by people across faith traditions. The fact that he's spending tonight, and possibly other nights, on a cold, hard bed in the Butler County Jail is devastating. It's undignified. He is a peaceful man who puts light and good out into the world every single day. But Imam Ayman is stronger than his jailers. He has a deep support network; an excellent legal team; and God and the people on his side. He's overcome many challenges in his life, and this is the next one.
“We won't rest until Imam Ayman is safe and home, where he belongs."
Organizers are asking that people make phone calls to our local electeds to try to free him:
• Senator Bernie Moreno
Phone (D.C. Office): (202) 224‑2315
Phone (Cincinnati Office): (513) 684‑1021
Contact Form: https://www.moreno.senate.gov/contact
• Senator Jon Husted
Phone (D.C. Office): (202) 224‑3353
Contact Form: https://www.husted.senate.gov/contact-jon
• Representative Greg Landsman – Ohio’s 1st District
Phone (D.C. Office): (202) 225‑2216
Phone (Cincinnati Office): (513) 810‑7988
Email: greg.landsman@cincinnati-oh.gov
• Mayor Aftab Pureval (Cincinnati)
Phone: (513) 352‑3250
Email: mayor.aftab@cincinnati-oh.gov
*Script*
Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I live in [City or ZIP Code]. I’m calling to express urgent concern about the deportation proceedings against Imam Ayman a deeply respected religious leader and community figure in Cincinnati.
Imam Ayman was granted asylum years ago and has followed every rule—he has no criminal record and has given so much to this community, including serving as the first official Islamic chaplain at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
Now, his asylum has been suddenly revoked with no explanation, and he has just been detained by ICE. If he’s deported to Egypt, he faces serious danger, even death, due to his political activism.
This is not just a legal issue—it’s a moral one. Our community stands behind Imam Ayman, and we’re asking [Official’s Name] to urgently step in, advocate for his case, and prevent this injustice from moving forward.
Please take immediate action to help. Thank you.
More information here:
