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

Ohio Chaplain Freed from Jail as DHS Drops Deportation Case Ayman Soliman, an Egyptian chaplain detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for allegedly providing material support to terrorists, has been released from an Ohio jail 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 September 1, 2025, and held at the Butler County Jail in Hamilton, Ohio. He had been working as a chaplain at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, where he counseled families and provided spiritual support to patients. The DHS had accused him of providing material support to terrorists, but court filings revealed that the evidence against him was flawed. Soliman's release marks a significant victory for his supporters, including families he counseled at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. "This is beyond my dreams," Soliman told ProPublica on his release from jail. "I'm just grateful to be free and reunited with my family." According to Ahmed Elkady, an immigration advocate who worked on Soliman's case, the chaplain's detention was a result of "errors and inconsistencies" in the government's evidence. The decision to drop the deportation case has raised questions about counterterrorism powers in immigration court. "This is a victory for due process and the rule of law," said Elkady. "We hope that this case will serve as a model for other immigrants who are facing similar challenges." According to ProPublica, Soliman's case was one of several high-profile deportations of Muslim Americans in recent years. Soliman's release comes after months of community activism and advocacy on his behalf. His supporters had organized protests and rallies outside the jail, calling for his release and criticizing the government's handling of the case. "We're thrilled that Ayman is finally free," said Elkady. "But we know that there are still many others who are facing similar challenges." The decision to drop the deportation case has significant implications for immigration policy in the United States. According to experts, it highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in immigration court proceedings. "This case shows that even when the government makes mistakes, they can be held accountable," said an expert on immigration law. In a statement, DHS officials said that they had dropped the deportation case due to "new information" that had come to light. However, according to ProPublica, the decision was likely influenced by the court filings and community activism on Soliman's behalf. Soliman is currently in the process of seeking asylum in the United States. His supporters are urging the government to expedite his application and provide him with permanent residency. "We're grateful that Ayman is finally free," said Elkady. "But we know that there is still much work to be done." As for Soliman, he is simply grateful to be reunited with his family. "I'm just happy to be home," he told ProPublica on his release from jail. This story was compiled from reports by ProPublica and ProPublica.