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July 19, 2025 – USA –
On July 17, 2025, a protest over U.S. immigration enforcement led to the arrest of at least 13 individuals, including two journalists, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The demonstration centered around the controversial detention of Ayman Soliman, an Egyptian immigrant and former hospital chaplain at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Soliman, a torture survivor and former journalist during Egypt’s Arab Spring, was arrested by ICE during a routine check-in on July 9, sparking widespread criticism.
Protesters gathered on the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, which connects Cincinnati, Ohio, to Covington, Kentucky, to demand Soliman’s release. Demonstrators held signs with messages like “Stop Deporting Chaplains” and “Freedom for Ayman.” The protest remained nonviolent, but its blockade of the bridge prompted police intervention. Law enforcement from Covington attempted to disperse the crowd, citing threats to public infrastructure and public safety.
Among those arrested were CityBeat journalist Madeline Fening and photo intern Lucas Griffith. Both were covering the protest and were reportedly wearing press credentials at the time of their arrest. They now face charges of felony rioting, obstruction, and disorderly conduct, and were each held on $2,500 bond. Their arrest has sparked strong reactions from press freedom advocates who argue that journalists performing their duties should not face criminal prosecution.
Police allege that the protesters failed to comply with lawful orders and posed safety threats. Video footage of one officer repeatedly punching a protester has further intensified the scrutiny surrounding the law enforcement response. Civil liberties organizations have called for an investigation into the use of force and the treatment of media personnel.
This event adds to a growing trend of journalists being targeted or detained while reporting on politically charged protests. In 2025 alone, several reporters have faced legal action for covering immigration and civil rights-related demonstrations.
Soliman’s deportation has been temporarily blocked by a federal court, allowing legal proceedings to continue. Meanwhile, press freedom advocates are calling for the charges against the journalists to be dropped, emphasizing the crucial role of a free press in democratic societies.
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