Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested an Egyptian man who previously served as a chaplain at a children’s hospital. Imam Ayman Soliman, who was on the FBI’s terror watchlist, was taken into custody during a meeting with ICE and FBI agents on Wednesday.
Soliman arrived in the United States about ten years ago and was granted asylum in 2018. However, his asylum status was revoked under the Biden administration. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official confirmed that this revocation and his watchlist status led to his recent arrest.
While in the U.S., Soliman worked at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and led services at a local mosque. His family in Egypt has requested to migrate to the U.S. to join him. Supporters argue that Soliman fled violence and persecution in Egypt and should not be sent back. However, a recent Supreme Court ruling could complicate his situation. It may allow the government to deport him to a third country even if he has credible fears of persecution in Egypt.
This ruling follows instances during the Trump administration when some individuals were deported to countries like South Sudan, which agreed to accept them. The Supreme Court upheld that practice, potentially impacting many others in similar situations.
The case highlights ongoing debates around immigration policy and the treatment of asylum seekers in the U.S. As the legal proceedings unfold, many are watching closely to see how this situation develops.