Ayman Soliman, an imam and community leader, will appear before an immigration judge via video connection on July 22. He is currently fighting the government’s attempt to annul his asylum status. On July 9, ICE officers arrested Soliman at one of his regular check-ins. Now, home for him is Butler County Jail, located only 18 miles from his house. His local residents and leaders should be gravely alarmed. Their concerns point to the broader challenges of immigration and public safety.
Originally from Egypt, Soliman fled to the United States in 2014 and was granted asylum status in 2018. His asylum granted more than seven years ago, revoked in an action his attorneys have called “absolutely illogical.” Further, they argue that the government’s rationale for terminating his status is unpersuasive. They say it’s mostly built on weak connections to companies that are listed as terrorist organizations. Unfazed, his attorneys filed a lawsuit against the Governor and other Arkansas officials last December, arguing that the government’s behavior clearly violates the law.
Soliman’s case has drawn national interest, in large part because of its potential impact on Soliman’s future. It has further produced a culture of intimidation within the community. Tala Ali, a resident in one of the communities, addressed her fear that greater surveillance would be used against local people.
“There are some members of our community who say agents identifying themselves as ICE are stopping at people’s houses and interrogating them and asking them about Ayman,” – Tala Ali.
Butler County Jail prominently displays on its front door a sign saying “illegal aliens Welcome here. This incautious proclamation speaks to how controversial the circumstances surrounding Soliman’s case are. His legal team has recently filed a motion claiming his fingerprints don’t match the ones collected in the FBI database. They argue that he has been unfairly associated with a “terrorist watchlist,” as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.
Another supporter of Soliman’s is the Greater Cincinnati Board of Rabbis, which has given him a public endorsement. And hundreds are already out in the streets to protest his detention. Specifically, they are focusing on what she might face should he be deported to Egypt. Ahmed Elkady, resisting, well-connected community leader Ahmed confined himself last to the dangers of return.
“We know the system in Egypt. [If he is sent back] you won’t know where he will go to or how long he will stay because there is no court hearing, there is nothing.” – Ahmed Elkady.
Soliman’s attorneys argue that the charges against him are politically motivated based on his association with a charitable society in Egypt. Julia Healy, one of his attorneys, criticized the government’s claims as utterly baseless. She framed these allegations as symptomatic of a larger issue with anti-immigrant enforcement policies.
“USCIS terminated Ayman’s asylum status by conducting wild leaps of association: jumping from Ayman’s membership in a very well-known charity organization in Egypt, to alleging that because of his membership in this organization, he provided material support to the Muslim Brotherhood, which USCIS is calling a ‘Tier III Terrorist Organization’.” – Julia Healy.
The community’s response reflects deep concern about the implications of Soliman’s detention and the potential for similar actions against others. In describing the reality on the ground, Tala Ali pointed to an observable fear that had overcome residents.
“They’re scared, they’re angry. They’re also broken-hearted; they’re praying for him.” – Tala Ali.
Healy highlighted the rarity of asylum termination cases and warned that challenging the U.S. government could result in individuals being targeted.
“Asylum termination is incredibly rare, but if you challenge the US government, you might put a target on your back,” – Julia Healy.
In many ways, the campaign and its unfolding saga has become symbolic of the broader fight that continues with immigrant communities across America. Indeed, the alarm that Soliman’s case has created has forced many to reflect on their own safety and security under existing policies.
“This also demonstrates how no one is ever truly safe under these current policies. Any asylum officer may re-interpret historical events and issue this type of ruling.” – Julia Healy.
Soliman looks forward to his bond hearing on July 23. In the interim, community support has been pouring in, as he gets ready to tape his video testimony for the immigration judge. Local residents recognize his contributions to their lives, including efforts to assist those needing kosher food in a region where halal meals are scarce.