DHS Drops Deportation Case Against Ohio Chaplain, Ending 4-Day Detention

Ohio Chaplain Freed From Jail as DHS Drops Deportation Case COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ayman Soliman, a 51-year-old Muslim cleric and chaplain at a children's hospital in Ohio, was released from jail on Friday after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) abruptly withdrew its case against him. The move comes after a protracted legal battle marked by errors and inconsistencies, with DHS initially accusing Soliman of providing material support to terrorists. Soliman, who has been a popular figure in his community for years, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on August 31, sparking widespread outrage among his supporters. In an interview with ProPublica after his release, Soliman expressed relief and gratitude: "This is beyond my dreams." The case against Soliman was built on allegations that he had provided financial support to a Palestinian charity that was allegedly linked to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. However, multiple sources have pointed out inconsistencies in the government's case, including discrepancies in witness testimony and evidence. According to immigration lawyers who represented Soliman, the DHS decision to drop its case is a significant victory for their client. "This outcome demonstrates the importance of rigorous fact-checking and due process in immigration court," said Ahmed Elkady, an attorney with the Ohio chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The Soliman case has raised questions about the use of counterterrorism powers in immigration court and the need for more transparency and accountability. "This case highlights the risks of relying on unsubstantiated allegations and hearsay evidence," said Elora Mukherjee, a professor at Columbia Law School who specializes in national security law. The release of Soliman comes as the Biden administration faces growing scrutiny over its handling of immigration cases involving terrorism-related charges. In recent months, several high-profile cases have been dropped or dismissed due to concerns about the reliability of evidence and the fairness of proceedings. As for Soliman, he is expected to remain in the United States pending a review of his immigration status. His supporters are planning a celebratory event on Sunday to mark his release from jail. Background: Ayman Soliman has been a chaplain at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus since 2008 and has built a reputation as a respected community leader. He was born in Egypt but has lived in the United States for over two decades, holding U.S. permanent resident status. The DHS case against Soliman was initially filed under the Material Support Statute (18 U.S.C. § 2339B), which prohibits providing material support to designated terrorist organizations. However, multiple sources have questioned the accuracy of the allegations and the reliability of the evidence presented in court. Implications: The Soliman case has significant implications for the use of counterterrorism powers in immigration court. It highlights the need for more transparency and accountability in proceedings and underscores the importance of rigorous fact-checking to prevent miscarriages of justice. As the Biden administration continues to grapple with complex immigration issues, the Soliman case serves as a reminder of the need for careful consideration and due process in cases involving terrorism-related charges. Next Developments: The release of Ayman Soliman is expected to have significant implications for his supporters and the broader community. As he navigates the next steps in his immigration journey, advocates are calling for greater transparency and accountability in immigration proceedings. In a statement, the Ohio chapter of the ACLU welcomed the DHS decision to drop its case against Soliman: "This outcome demonstrates the importance of standing up for due process and challenging unsubstantiated allegations." *Reporting by Propublica.*