Two Chaplains, One Detained Colleague, and a Stand That Cost Them Their Jobs
This podcast shines a spotlight on one of the most under-reported stories of our time — and that’s saying something.
Right now, in Iowa alone, over 200 immigrants are being detained, according to the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice.
The interview you’re about to hear is a must-watch. I expect this story to gain national attention because of the sheer injustice: a hospital chaplain — beloved by patients and their families for bringing light in their darkest hours — is now behind bars.
I cannot believe that even the most fervent MAGA supporter envisioned this when they cheered a presidential promise to “round up criminals and send them back.” That promise has morphed into deportations that amount to death sentences — either in dangerous foreign lands or in grim U.S. detention centers, like Florida’s infamous Alligator Alley.
This is the story of Imam Ayman Soliman, a religious leader now detained in a county jail, certain he will face execution if he returns to Egypt. He was involved in the pro-democracy demonstrations during the Arab Spring.
For now, he waits — locked up without charges, for an indefinite stretch of time. And he’s one of the “lucky” ones. Ayman has a strong community fighting for him. Many others in detention do not; their families are too afraid to speak out for fear of retaliation.
In our podcast last Monday, we interviewed two faith ministers from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital — Lizzy Diop and Adam Allen — another colleague fired for speaking publicly about their friend, Ayman Soliman.
I asked Lizzy and Adam, knowing they counsel people of all political beliefs, how they advise us to talk about this issue with those with whom we disagree politically. Lizzy said:
“I saw a Facebook post from a dad that I suspect has a different political leaning than me. And he said in the beginning of his post, this is not a political post. He explained his child's situation. And he said, so basically, I guess what I'm asking is that you pray for Chaplain Ayman the same way that he prayed for my daughter. And he posted a picture of Ayman smiling at his little girl.”
They advised people to not make this a political issue, but a human story.
The Story Behind the Headlines
Ayman Soliman is an Egyptian journalist, Arab Spring activist, and interfaith chaplain. He was tortured before coming to the U.S. and granted asylum nearly a decade ago. Known for his extraordinary compassion, Ayman is fluent in English, Arabic, and Spanish, and holds two master’s degrees — one from a Christian seminary.
Earlier this summer, during a routine ICE check-in, Ayman was detained. His asylum status had been revoked under a claim that a nonprofit he once worked with had tenuous ties to a terrorist group — a connection his supporters call baseless and discriminatory. If returned to Egypt, Ayman faces certain imprisonment and likely execution.
Speaking Out — and Paying the Price
When Lizzy visited Ayman in detention, she saw firsthand the injustice and, at his request, spoke to the media about his situation. She did this on her own time, taking PTO as instructed. Days later, she was fired for violating the hospital’s media policy — her first disciplinary action in 10 years of stellar reviews.
Adam, who had worked alongside Ayman in the NICU, describes him as the best chaplain on the team:
“Ayman studied my religion as deeply as his own. He’s more prepared for interfaith care than anyone I’ve met.”
Both chaplains say their advocacy has been met with internal intimidation at the hospital, warning staff not to speak publicly about Ayman or political issues.
The Ayman They Know
Colleagues, patients, and families describe Ayman as a gentle, humble, and selfless presence. He often came in on days off to visit families in need, guided children in their spiritual development, and made every person — Muslim, Christian, atheist — feel seen. Even in detention, he uses his limited phone calls to arrange help for other Muslim inmates.
Fighting Back: Community and Legal Action
Ayman has three attorneys fighting to restore his asylum status and prevent deportation. Supporters have:
* Organized rallies and vigils
* Gathered 500+ signatures from faith leaders on a petition
* Held interfaith meetings to coordinate advocacy
* Gained national coverage from Rolling Stone, The Guardian, MSNBC, Salon, and more
The concern extends beyond Ayman: his case could set a precedent for undermining asylum protections nationwide.
Why This Matters
Lizzy and Adam stress that conversations about immigration should start with the human being, not the politics:
“Ask if the way this person is being treated aligns with your values. Start there.”
In Iowa alone, it’s estimated there are 200 people currently in ICE detention — most without the public visibility or legal support Ayman has.
How to Help
Write to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital leadership, urging them to act with compassion.
Clergy: consider visiting detainees in your area to provide connection and hope.
Ways to support Ayman:🔗 Free Imam Ayman — Yusra Organizing
Advocacy:Email the hospital:📧 stephanie.ebken@cchmc.org📧 pastoral_care@cchmc.org
Financial Support:
Listen to the full conversation with Lizzy and Adam to hear their powerful accounts, learn more about Ayman’s case, and understand the human stakes of America’s detention system.
Related links & resources:
* Petition with 500+ faith leader signatures
* Media coverage from Rolling Stone, The Guardian, MSNBC
This is an episode you won’t forget.
Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, September 28-October 1
Your story matters.
Please consider exploring the many ways available for you to write the stories that matter to you, and others.
All skill-levels are welcome.
The Iowa Writers’ Collaborative
I’m proud to be a founding member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative — a talented roster of professional writers from across Iowa and beyond, sharing stories and commentary that matter to anyone with a connection to the Hawkeye State.
Here are the Collaborative members featured in last Sunday’s Roundup:
