Student from Tufts University with Turkish roots back in Boston following immigration detention – DW – 11th May 2025

A PhD student at Tufts University in Massachusetts, Rumeysa Ozturk, who was detained for over six weeks after being arrested by immigration officers in March, has been released and plans to continue her legal fight. During her detention, Ozturk co-authored an op-ed criticizing Tufts University’s response to student protests. Although Ozturk felt she had lost both her freedom and education during this critical period for her doctoral studies, she expressed gratitude for the support received and faith in the American justice system. US District Judge William Sessions ruled for her release without travel restrictions, stating that Ozturk was neither a flight risk nor a danger to the community and noting the lack of evidence for her arrest other than the op-ed. Her lawyers argue that her arrest and detention were aimed to punish her for exercising her First Amendment right and deter others from speaking out. The incident draws attention to the broader issue of international students at US institutions facing visa revocations or terminated legal status, reflecting President Donald Trump’s administration’s stance on pro-Palestinian activism.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/turkish-tufts-student-detained-by-ice-released-and-returns-to-boston/a-72505499?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf