Two journalists were among 13 people arrested during a pro-illegal immigration protest in Ohio after demonstrators blocked traffic on a major bridge between Cincinnati and Covington, Kentucky.
The protest was sparked by the recent detention of Ayman Soliman, an Egyptian national flagged on the FBI terror watchlist, who was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last week.
Arrests Include Felony Rioting Charges
Among those arrested were CityBeat reporter Madeline Fening and photography intern Lucas Griffith, who were covering the protest for the Cincinnati-based outlet.
CityBeat editor-in-chief Ashley Moor confirmed that both are facing felony rioting charges, among others.
Police say the demonstrators refused to disperse, blocked emergency routes, and threatened officers. They also displayed a banner that read:
“Build Bridges Not Walls”
All 13 individuals are being held on $2,500 bond, facing charges including:
DHS: Detainee Was on FBI Terror List
According to Homeland Security, Soliman was arrested during a routine ICE check-in near Cincinnati and had been flagged on the terror watchlist.
Soliman previously worked as a chaplain at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, raising questions about screening and vetting procedures for sensitive positions.
ICE did not elaborate on Soliman’s current immigration status or the specifics of the terror flag, citing national security concerns.
Police: Protest “Endangered Public Safety”
Covington Police said in a statement that while peaceful protest is protected, blocking major infrastructure and threatening officers crossed a legal line.
“Threatening officers and blocking critical infrastructure, such as a major bridge, presents a danger to all involved,” the department said.
Officers said they initially attempted to work with protest organizers, but were met with hostility and threats.
