Tufts University doctoral student, Rumeysa Ozturk, originally from Turkey, was detained by immigration authorities in Boston on March 25. Despite a federal judge ordering authorities to keep her in Massachusetts, she was moved to a detention center in Louisiana. Ozturk’s lawyers argued that her detention violated her constitutional rights and asked for her immediate release.
The Justice Department claimed that the federal judge lacked jurisdiction in Ozturk’s case, stating that the petition should have been filed in the jurisdiction where she was confined. They argued that the case should be dismissed or transferred to Louisiana. Ozturk’s supporters held rallies in Boston and at Tufts University in her defense.
The Department of Homeland Security revoked Ozturk’s visa, alleging her involvement in activities supporting Hamas, a designated terrorist group. However, evidence of this support was not provided. Ozturk was one of four students who criticized Tufts University’s response to demands related to Palestine in an op-ed last year.
Ozturk’s case is part of a larger trend where individuals with ties to American universities expressing support for Palestinians have faced visa issues. The conflict between Israel and Hamas in 2023 resulted in numerous casualties. Ozturk’s situation has sparked debate surrounding free speech and activism on university campuses.
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