The Council on American-Islamic Relations, Ohio (CAIR-Ohio) yesterday joined dozens of interfaith leaders and community members at the Ohio Statehouse to deliver a letter to Governor Mike DeWine, urging him to act immediately to prevent the deportation of Imam Ayman Soliman, a Cincinnati imam and hospital chaplain currently being held in ICE custody.
The letter was signed by more than 1,100 Ohioans, including clergy and faith leaders from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and other traditions, united in calling on the Governor to intervene before Imam Soliman’s scheduled hearing on Tuesday, August 26, in Cleveland. Advocates warn that deportation would place him in imminent danger if returned to Egypt, amounting to what faith leaders have called a “death sentence.”
“Imam Ayman has dedicated his life to serving Ohio families with compassion and faith,” said Khalid Turaani, Executive Director of CAIR-Ohio (Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton). “Governor DeWine has both the moral and political responsibility to ensure that an Ohio faith leader is not deported to certain harm. We urge him to act before it is too late.”
Since his detention last month, CAIR-Ohio has stood alongside interfaith partners, immigrant rights advocates, and legal representatives in calling for Imam Soliman’s release. His case has drawn widespread attention, with faith leaders across Ohio joining together to defend his right to remain in Ohio.
CAIR-Ohio will continue to advocate for Imam Soliman and calls on community members to raise their voices until he is freed and safe from deportation.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, with three offices in Ohio – Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. The organization is dedicated to enhancing understanding of Islam, protecting civil rights, promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims.
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CONTACT: Khalid Turaani, Executive Director, CAIR Ohio, kturaani@cair.com