"Deportation Case Dropped, Ohio Chaplain Walks Free from Jail"

Ayman Soliman, an Egyptian chaplain detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for allegedly providing material support to terrorists, was released from an Ohio jail on September 19, 2025, after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) dropped its deportation case. The decision comes after court filings revealed errors and inconsistencies in the government's evidence against him, sparking community outrage and raising questions about counterterrorism powers in immigration court. According to ProPublica, Soliman was detained by ICE on charges that he provided material support to terrorists, but his supporters argue that the allegations were baseless. The chaplain had been working at Cincinnati Children's Hospital as a spiritual advisor to patients and families when he was taken into custody. His release marks a significant victory for his supporters, including families he counseled at the hospital. The decision by DHS to drop its case against Soliman is seen as a rare instance of accountability in immigration court. According to ProPublica, court filings revealed that the government's evidence against him was marred by errors and inconsistencies. The mistakes included allegations that Soliman had provided financial support to a terrorist organization when, in fact, he had donated money to a charity that was not on any terrorism watchlist. Soliman's supporters argue that his detention was a result of profiling and bias against Muslims. "This is beyond my dreams," Soliman told ProPublica after his release from jail. "I'm just grateful to be free again." His supporters, including families he counseled at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, are relieved that the ordeal is over. The case has raised questions about counterterrorism powers in immigration court and the need for greater transparency and accountability in such cases. According to experts, the decision by DHS to drop its case against Soliman highlights the importance of ensuring that allegations against immigrants are thoroughly vetted before they are detained or deported. Soliman's release is a significant victory for his supporters, who had been advocating for his freedom for months. The community has come together to support him and raise awareness about the need for greater accountability in immigration court. As Soliman begins his new life outside of jail, he remains committed to serving his community as a chaplain. The current status of Soliman's case is that DHS has dropped its deportation case against him, but it is unclear what will happen next. His supporters are calling on the government to take steps to prevent similar cases in the future and to ensure that immigrants are treated fairly and with dignity. This story was compiled from reports by ProPublica and ProPublica.