Muslim Community Rallies for Detained Imam Facing Immigration Hearing
On Monday evening, dozens gathered at the Clifton Mosque for a prayer service and an immigration rights training session. The event was organized in solidarity with Soliman and others affected by what many see as unjust detentions, WCPO-TV reported on Tuesday.
“It’s been frustrating, it’s been scary,” said Tala Ali, chairperson of the mosque. She added that the community believes deeply in the power of prayer and justice, noting, “We believe in our tradition that God hears the prayers of the oppressed.”
Soliman, who was granted asylum in 2018, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) earlier this month. His attorney, Robert Ratliff, said the decision to revoke asylum was based on flawed reasoning.
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“The basis for the termination was not proper. The asylum [officer] that made that determination… misconstrued some of the evidence,” Ratliff stated.
The case has prompted a wave of support across Cincinnati’s Muslim and interfaith communities. Several vigils and demonstrations have taken place, including a protest last week that led to multiple arrests when demonstrators briefly occupied the Roebling Suspension Bridge.
Monday’s session was led by Ignite Peace, a local organization that educates communities on legal protections in the face of immigration enforcement.
“Everybody on U.S. soil, regardless of immigration status, is protected by the rights in our Constitution,” said Samantha Searls, who directs the group’s immigration justice program.
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Soliman’s next legal step is a bond hearing before a federal immigration judge in Cleveland, scheduled virtually for Tuesday. A separate status hearing is set for July 24, during which a temporary order preventing his removal from Ohio will be reviewed.
Ali emphasized that the mosque’s support extends beyond just this one case.
“Our prayers tonight are for… not just for Ayman but all those who find themselves in a similar situation… and who find themselves in hardships to be relieved from their oppression,” she said.
Source: Agencies
