Federal Judge Considers Jurisdiction Over Detention of Turkish Tufts University Student
A federal judge in Vermont is considering whether he has jurisdiction over the case of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University student detained by immigration officials in Louisiana. Ozturk, a 30-year-old doctoral student, was taken into custody on March 25 while walking in Somerville, Massachusetts, and subsequently moved to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Louisiana.
Ozturk’s lawyers are challenging ICE’s detention of her and are seeking her release from custody or a return to Vermont for further proceedings. The Justice Department argues that her case should be dismissed and that the immigration court has jurisdiction.
During a hearing on Monday, U.S. District Judge William Sessions raised the possibility of having Ozturk brought back to his court for a hearing. Ozturk’s lawyers are also seeking her release on bond in the immigration proceeding.
Ozturk is among several people with ties to American universities who have faced visa revocations or entry restrictions after expressing support for Palestinians or attending demonstrations. Her lawyers argue that her detention violates her constitutional rights, including free speech and due process.
The Department of Homeland Security has accused Ozturk of supporting Hamas, a designated terrorist group, but a State Department memorandum stated that there was no evidence of her involvement in antisemitic activities or supporting a terrorist organization.
The case highlights concerns about freedom of expression and due process for individuals facing immigration detention based on their political views. The judge is considering whether he has jurisdiction over Ozturk’s case and could potentially hold a hearing on the matter in May.
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