Material Support and an Ohio Chaplain: How 9/11-Era Terror Rules Could Empower Trumps Immigration Crackdown

Published: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 11:00 am

Imam Faces Deportation Amidst Terrorism Claims

Ayman Soliman, a Muslim chaplain at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, is facing deportation after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Soliman, who fled Egypt in 2014 and was granted asylum in 2018, had his asylum status revoked based on allegations of providing material support to a terrorist group.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alleges Soliman's involvement with an Islamic charity provided support to the Muslim Brotherhood. However, neither the charity nor the Brotherhood is a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. Soliman's attorneys argue the claims have been amplified since the return of the Trump administration, with the Muslim Brotherhood being declared a Tier III terrorist group. They also dispute the inclusion of unsubstantiated claims of ties to Hamas and warrants for murder and terrorism in Iraq, a country Soliman has never visited.

Soliman's detention has sparked outrage among his colleagues, friends, and community members, who describe him as a beloved figure. Supporters have launched a campaign to refute the DHS allegations, citing the case as an example of anti-Muslim sentiment. Legal observers are closely watching the case, viewing it as a test of the Trump administration's use of immigration and counterterrorism powers.

Soliman is currently held in a county jail run by a sheriff known for his anti-immigration stance. He awaits an immigration court trial scheduled for September 25th.

BNN's Perspective: This case raises serious concerns about the potential for overreach in the application of material support laws. While national security is paramount, it is crucial to ensure due process and avoid the weaponization of counterterrorism measures against individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities. The broad scope of these laws necessitates careful scrutiny and responsible discretion to prevent unjust outcomes.

Keywords: Ayman Soliman, ICE, deportation, Muslim chaplain, terrorism, material support, Muslim Brotherhood, DHS, asylum, immigration, Trump administration, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, counterterrorism, legal, Egypt.

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