"US Drops Deportation Case, Egyptian Chaplain Walks Free from Ohio Jail"

Ayman Soliman, an Egyptian Muslim cleric and chaplain at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, was released from an Ohio jail on September 19, 2025, after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) dropped its deportation case against him. According to court filings, DHS had accused Soliman of providing material support to terrorists, a charge that was marked by errors and inconsistencies. However, the government's evidence failed to hold up under scrutiny, leading to the withdrawal of the case. "This is beyond my dreams," Soliman told ProPublica upon his release from jail. The dramatic turn of events highlights the complexities of counterterrorism policies in immigration courts and raises questions about the balance between national security and individual rights. The case against Soliman had been ongoing for several months, with the chaplain being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since June 2025. DHS's decision to drop the deportation case comes after a thorough review of the evidence presented in court. According to ProPublica, the government's case relied heavily on flawed assumptions and incomplete information, which ultimately led to its collapse. "The Department of Homeland Security takes allegations of terrorism-related activity seriously," said a DHS spokesperson in a statement. "However, we must also ensure that our actions are guided by due process and respect for individual rights." Soliman's release has been met with relief from his supporters and advocates who had been following the case closely. "This is a victory not just for Ayman but for all those who have been impacted by flawed immigration policies," said Ahmed Elkady, an advocate for immigrant rights. The case against Soliman also raises concerns about the role of chaplains in hospitals and their potential vulnerability to accusations of terrorism-related activity. According to experts, chaplains play a critical role in providing spiritual support to patients and families, often working closely with medical staff to address emotional and psychological needs. As for Soliman's future, he is expected to remain in the United States pending further review of his immigration status. While the DHS has dropped its deportation case, it remains unclear whether Soliman will be eligible for permanent residency or citizenship. "We are grateful that Ayman has been released from jail," said a spokesperson for Cincinnati Children's Hospital. "However, we understand that this is just one step in the process of resolving his immigration status." In conclusion, the release of Ayman Soliman from an Ohio jail marks a significant development in the ongoing debate about counterterrorism policies and individual rights. As the case continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how DHS will address the complexities and inconsistencies that led to the withdrawal of the deportation case against the Egyptian cleric. Sources: ProPublica: "Ohio Chaplain Freed From Jail as DHS Drops Deportation Case" ProPublica: "DHS Drops Deportation Case: Egyptian Chaplain Freed from Ohio Jail After Dramatic Turn of Events" This story was compiled from reports by ProPublica and ProPublica.