5 Unprecedented Days of Action for Ayman

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Community, Clergy, and Elected Officials Mobilize for Beloved Imam Ayman Soliman

Cincinnati – Since the beloved Imam Chaplain Ayman Soliman was arrested and jailed, after a three-hour interrogation at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in Blue Ash, Ohio, his community has mobilized an unprecedented level of support to demand his release from the Butler County Jail and return to his community.Said Tala Ali, Chair of the Clifton Mosque, “We are devastated by the detainment of Imam Ayman. The outpouring of support and advocacy from so many — colleagues, students, elected officials, families, congregations, clergy, and neighborhood groups, is a testament to this man’s character, and his service and commitment to community and others. As Muslims, we are not strangers to rampant Islamophobia and tropes used to minimize our humanity and lead to harm. At a time when so many human beings in our country are targeted, disappeared, and harassed, we demand justice and due process for Imam Ayman and all those who are wrongfully detained.” Ayman is a member of the Clifton Mosque, among many other charitable and humanitarian endeavors.The following timeline illustrates just some of the support Ayman has received from across Ohio and around the country during the first five days of his incarceration. Also note an event happening today (below) and this important legal update.On Thursday, July 17, a coalition of faith leaders, chaplains, healthcare providers, immigration advocates, and concerned community members host a Free Ayman Vigil and Rally at the Sing the Queen City Sign in Freedom Park at the Cincinnati Waterfront. Today is the 5 year anniversary of the passing of Senator and civil rights icon, John Lewis, and the event will carry on his legacy of “Good Trouble.” The rally and vigil is hosted by Ignite Peace, Ohio Poor People’s Campaign, SURJ Cincinnati, faith leaders, community members, and friends of Ayman.

Day 1, July 9 

Day 2, July 10

  • Members of the Ohio House Democratic Caucus release statement concerning Ayman Soliman
  • CAIR-Ohio calls for immediate release of Imam Ayman
  • Law Office of Nazly Mamedova releases a statement concerning their client, Ayman Soliman 
  • U.S. Congressman Greg Landsman issues a statement about his commitment to ensuring Ayman receives due process and declares that “deporting him would not make us any safer, but it would be a huge loss for our community”

Day 3, July 11

Day 4, July 12

Day 5, July 13

Background: After more than a decade in the United States, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital chaplain Ayman Soliman was abruptly arrested and detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He had already won his asylum case, but his status was revoked. Now, he is fighting for his life once again — this time from behind bars.Read the backstory about Ayman’s asylum case in the U.S. and why he sued the U.S. government. After filing these lawsuits, Ayman’s immigration troubles began — in clear retaliation for defending his name. The Cincinnati Enquirer has also published a timeline about Ayman’s tenure in the U.S. Returning to Egypt — a country where he was tortured, after he worked as a reporter during the Arab Spring — is a not an option for Ayman. It is a certain death sentence. His community, including hundreds of families he accompanied in their darkest hours of need — while their children were sick and, in some cases, dying — and people of all faiths, are demanding Ayman’s immediate release and continued protection in the United States. 

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