Detention of Rümeysa Öztürk

Detention of Rümeysa Öztürk
Part of the activist deportations in the second Trump presidency
Rümeysa Öztürk addresses reporters at press conference following her release from detention (May 12, 2025).
DateMarch 25, 2025
LocationSomerville, Massachusetts, United States
CauseCriticism of Israel's war in Gaza
ParticipantsDepartment of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
OutcomeRelease on bail
ArrestsRümeysa Öztürk

On March 25, 2025, 30-year-old Tufts University student Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish national on an F-1 student visa, was arrested by six masked plainclothes agents from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following the revocation of her visa near her home in Somerville, Massachusetts, before eventually being held in South Louisiana ICE Processing Center. The revocation of her visa and her arrest is believed to be the result of an opinion piece she had co-authored that criticised the university's response to the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.

Öztürk's arrest sparked widespread condemnation from elected officials and others. Some accused the Trump administration of targeting students for their political views without due process, while others called it a violation of civil liberties. The incident also provoked protests at Tufts University and across Massachusetts.

On May 9, Öztürk was released, pending final decision on her legal case over her detention.

Rümeysa Öztürk

Öztürk is a 30-year-old Turkish national, studying as a PhD student in the Child Study and Human Development program at Tufts University on an F-1 student visa.[1][2] Her LinkedIn profile, which has since been deleted, included a master's degree in teaching from Columbia University and well as her experience as a Fulbright Scholar[3] and working at Boston University as a research assistant.[1]

In March 2024, Öztürk co-wrote an article along with three others that was published in the university's newspaper The Tufts Daily, entitled "Try again, President Kumar: Renewing calls for Tufts to adopt March 4 TCU Senate resolutions".[4] The article called for the university to divest from companies with ties to Israel and acknowledge ""Palestinian genocide"; alongside the authors the article was endorsed by 32 others.[5][6][7] Following publication her personal information was made public by Canary Mission, a group that documents those who "promote hatred of the USA, Israel and Jews on North American college campuses."[5]

The group StopAntisemitism claimed that Öztürk had "led pro-Hamas, violent antisemitic and anti-American events" while at Tufts.[8] On social media her brother denied this narrative, suggesting the targeting of her was a "witch hunt", while friends had said the only pro-Palestinian activity she had engaged in was the op-ed.[5] Multiple associates of hers from Tufts paid tribute to her character after her detention, while her department at the university praised her saying that her "genuineness and care for others have been felt deeply here at Tufts".[9]

The Washington Post reported that Öztürk's visa was revoked without her awareness at the discretion of Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the weeks prior to her arrest. They also reported that while initially it had been suggested to do so under grounds of antisemitism or expressing support for a terror organisation (namely Hamas), no evidence was provided to substantiate the allegations.[10]

Arrest and detention

On March 25, Öztürk was arrested by six plainclothes officers as she left her home to meet friends to break their Ramadan fast. The officers, mostly masked, quickly moved up to her, whereupon they identified themselves as police and took away her phone and backpack. A bystander initially believed the incident to be a kidnapping.[11][12][13] In a later sworn statement, Öztürk described how initially she believed she had been abducted by associates of the Canary Mission, and that when made clear that she had been arrested by law enforcement they refused to inform her as to the reasons why. During this time she was shackled and denied access to a lawyer. She was later informed by one of the officers that she would be transported a detention center in Vermont, as there were none in Massachusetts for women.[14][15]

Öztürk was subsequently moved several times including to Vermont before eventually arriving at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center, during which she claims to have been questioned while sleep-deprived, mistreated after suffering asthma attacks, and kept in an overcrowded cell in unsanitary conditions.[16][17][18] She also said that she was kept entirely indoors for the first week of her detention and that she had limited food and water for two weeks.[19][20]

While in detention Öztürk was visited by representatives of the Turkish government, who were providing consular support and attempting to secure her release.[21] In April a Congressional delegation visited Öztürk as well as Mahmoud Khalil, another pro-Palestinian protestor who had been detained. The delegation, led by Louisiana Representative Troy Carter, reported on the conditions the two were kept in, noting both complained of low temperatures as well a lack of medical care, food and religious accommodations. The pair were also described as "political prisoners".[22] ICE officials would later describe these claims as "unequivocally false".[23]

In the initial 24 hours following her arrest Öztürk's location was unknown to anyone but the authorities, including her lawyer. Her movement out of Massachusetts also appeared to be at odds with a legal order issued by a US District judge not to be removed within the first 48 hours of her arrest.[24] In legal documents the US government claimed that ICE had already planned to move Öztürk to Louisiana prior to her arrest due to a lack of beds, and that the District court had no jurisdiction over federal immigration actions.[25] Legal representatives for both sides disputed where Öztürk's petition to be released should be held, with District Judge Denise J. Casper eventually ruling that it would be heard in Vermont, and that an earlier ruling barring her deportation would remain in effect.[26]

Ozturk v. Hyde
CourtUnited States District Court for the District of Vermont
StartedApril 4, 2025
Docket nos.2:25-cv-00374, transferred from 1:25-cv-10695
Court membership
Judge sittingWilliam K. Sessions (transferred from Denise Jefferson Casper)

Öztürk was released on bail in May after US District Judge, William K Sessions, ordered her immediate release without restrictions. During the hearing Sessions highlighted that no evidence had been presented to support her detention, and that continued detention was likely to be detrimental to her health.[27]

Following her release from detention, Öztürk thanked her supporters. Jessie Rossman of the ACLU, who had supported her legal fight, also spoke of their "relief and gratitude".[28] At a press conference at Logan Airport in Boston, Öztürk stated her intention to her legal battle against her initial detention and that she was looking forward to returning to her studies.[29]

Legal proceedings are still ongoing in both Vermont and Louisiana, regarding claims of illegal detention and immigration hearings respectively.[30][31]

Reactions

Tufts University

In the days following the arrest, the university would confirm that it had no prior knowledge that the arrest would take place, and were only informed after the fact a student whose visa had been "terminated" had been arrested. The university also stated that they were disturbed by the footage of the arrest, and that they were supporting both Muslim students and the wider community.[32] Tufts would later make a submission in support of her release, stating that her arrest had "paralyzed" the university's international community.[33]

Following her release in May, a university spokesperson gave a statement supporting the outcome and that the university was looking forward to welcoming her back. The statement also re-affirmed that the initial op-ed Öztürk co-wrote didn't violate university policies.[34]

Civil society

Öztürk's arrest and detention led to a number of protests calling for her release. This included protests at Tufts and Harvard,[35][36] a banner being held up during a Major League Soccer game,[37] and outside the Vermont courthouse where her case was being decided.[38] One protest in downtown Boston involved more than 200, including Mayor Michelle Wu, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, and the president of her Service Employees International Union branch David Foley.[39]

A group of 27 Jewish organizations and synagogues across the US condemned Öztürk's arrest, stating it violated her constitutional rights. They also accused the government of "exploiting" concerns around antisemitism in the process.[40]

Politicians

Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Rashida Tlaib condemned her detention, and accused the Trump administration of attacking freedoms and increasing government repression.[41] Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, issued a joint statement demanding that she be provided appropriate medical care, and that the government either provide evidence to justify her detention or release her.[42] Several Turkish policitians would also condemn her detention including the Turkish minister of justice Yılmaz Tunç,[43] as well as the leaders of the Republican People's Party and the Democracy and Progress Party, Özgür Özel and Ali Babacan respectively.[44][45]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Andersen, Travis (March 26, 2025). "Who is Rumeysa Ozturk? What to know about the Tufts student arrested by immigration officials". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on March 26, 2025. Retrieved April 25, 2025.
  2. ^ Murray, Conor (March 27, 2025). "What We Know About Rumeysa Ozturk—Rubio Says Tufts Student Detained By ICE Had Visa Revoked". Forbes.
  3. ^ Patel, Vimal; Hartocollis, Anemona; Shwayder, Maya (May 10, 2025). "Tufts Student Returns to Massachusetts After 6 Weeks in Immigration Detention". The New York Times.
  4. ^ Ozturk, Rumeysa; Rahman, Fatima; Perez, Genesis; Ambeliotis, Nicholas (March 26, 2024). "Op-ed: Try again, President Kumar: Renewing calls for Tufts to adopt March 4 TCU Senate resolutions". The Tufts Daily. Retrieved April 26, 2025.
  5. ^ a b c "Rumeysa Ozturk: Who is the Turkish student arrested by US immigration agents?". iTVx. March 27, 2025.
  6. ^ "What to know about the Tufts student detained by ICE". The Independent. March 27, 2025.
  7. ^ "Marco Rubio says US revoked at least 300 foreign students' visas". BBC. February 27, 2025.
  8. ^ Salant, Izzy (March 26, 2025). "'Common sense' arrest of pro-Hamas protester Rumeysa Ozturk, says Homeland Security". JNS.
  9. ^ Mohamed, Syma (April 1, 2025). "Who is Rumeysa Ozturk, the Turkish national facing deportation from the US?". Middle East Eye.
  10. ^ Hudson, John (April 14, 2025). "No evidence linking Tufts student to antisemitism or terrorism, State Dept. office found". The Washington Post.
  11. ^ Goonietalkie, Soohani (March 28, 2025). "This student was arrested by masked officials. Here's why it's shocked the US". ABC News.
  12. ^ Faheid, Dalia; Pazmino, Gloria (March 29, 2025). "A PhD student was snatched by masked officers in broad daylight. Then she was flown 1,500 miles away". CNN.
  13. ^ Olivares, José (March 27, 2025). "DoJ lawyers say detained Tufts student was sent to Louisiana before court order". The Guardian.
  14. ^ Eng, Samantha (April 11, 2025). "Rümeysa Öztürk describes detainment, poor conditions at ICE detention center in declaration". The Tufts Daily.
  15. ^ Suarez, Jesus (April 11, 2025). "Tufts student details harrowing transport by ICE, lack of food and medical care in detention". WBUR.
  16. ^ Florido, Adrian (May 9, 2025). "Tufts student Rümeysa Öztürk freed from immigration detention". NPR. Retrieved July 20, 2025.
  17. ^ McKenna, Charlie (April 11, 2024). "Rümeysa Özturk describes harrowing Louisiana confinement in new court filing". MassLive. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
  18. ^ Slater, Joanna; McDaniel, Justine; Tucker, Brianna; Vazquez, Maegan; Natanson, Hannah; Rein, Lisa; Kornfield, Meryl (April 11, 2025). "Turkish student grabbed by ICE says she feared for her life". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286.
  19. ^ "Tufts student recounts her detention by ICE, says she feared for her life in new court filing". CBS News. April 12, 2025.
  20. ^ Mccornmack, Kathy (April 11, 2025). "Tufts student from Turkey details arrest, crowded detention conditions in new court filing". AP News.
  21. ^ "Tufts University student can't be deported to Turkiye without court order". Al-Jazeera. March 29, 2025.
  22. ^ Pazmino, Gloria (April 22, 2025). "Congressional delegation visits Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk in Louisiana detention centers". CNN. Retrieved July 17, 2025.
  23. ^ "ICE disputes lawmakers' claims about Rumeysa Ozturk's detention conditions". Türkiye Today. April 28, 2025.
  24. ^ "Democrats demand answers on arrest of Tufts student Rumeysa Ozturk". The Hill. March 28, 2025.
  25. ^ "Government reveals timeline of Rumeysa Ozturk's detention in effort to get her complaint dismissed". GBH. April 2, 2025. Retrieved July 17, 2025.
  26. ^ Atkins, Chloe (April 4, 2025). "Tufts student grabbed off street by immigration officers scores legal win, has case moved to Vermont". NBC News.
  27. ^ Pazmino, Gloria (May 9, 2025). "Federal judge in Vermont orders Tufts University Student Rümeysa Öztürk released on bail after six weeks in detention". CNN. Retrieved May 9, 2025.
  28. ^ Betancourt, Sarah (May 9, 2025). "Rümeysa Öztürk released from ICE detention after order from Vermont judge". GBH News.
  29. ^ "Rümeysa Öztürk, Tufts student held by Ice, vows to continue legal action after jail release". The Guardian. Associated Press. May 11, 2025. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved July 17, 2025.
  30. ^ McCornmack, Kathy (May 9, 2025). "Judge releases Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk who was detained by ICE". PBS News.
  31. ^ "Turkish student Rumeysa Ozturk says she will continue to pursue her case". Al Jazeera. May 11, 2025.
  32. ^ "Video shows Tufts graduate student grabbed off the street by federal immigration officials". NBC News. March 27, 2025.
  33. ^ Pazmino, Gloria (April 2, 2025). "Attorneys for Tufts University student accuse government of 'secretive' effort to move her across state lines". CNN.
  34. ^ Rosen, Jacob (May 9, 2025). "Rumeysa Ozturk released by ICE after judge orders Tufts student to be freed on bail". CBS News.
  35. ^ Josephy, Matah (March 28, 2025). "Protesters Rally in the Square Against Grad Student Arrests at Columbia". The Harvard Crimson.
  36. ^ Eng, Samantha (April 2, 2025). "Students walk out at Ballou to demand release of Rümeysa Öztürk". The Tufts Daily.
  37. ^ Doyle, Peyton (March 31, 2025). "'Free Rumeysa' banner removed during Revolution home match Saturday". masslive.
  38. ^ Hancox, Charlotte (April 14, 2025). "Rally outside of Burlington federal courthouse over detained Tufts University student". WPTZ.
  39. ^ Jad, Chloe (April 2, 2025). "Labor union protests in Boston, calling for Tufts student to be released from ICE custody". WBUR.
  40. ^ Gislon, Grace (April 11, 2025). "27 Jewish groups file amicus brief expressing concern over detainment of Tufts student". The Jerusalem Post.
  41. ^ "US detention of pro-Palestine Turkish student sparks outrage". Daily Sabah. March 27, 2025. Retrieved March 30, 2025.
  42. ^ Hurwitz, Sophie; Métraux, Julia (April 4, 2025). "ICE is reportedly violating detained Tufts student's right to medical care". Mother Jones.
  43. ^ Mijide, Roberto (March 27, 2025). "Turkey condemns US arrest of pro-palestinian activist Rümeysa Öztürk". Hispanatolia. Retrieved March 31, 2025.
  44. ^ Guyebullayeva, Azru (April 4, 2025). "Rumeysa Öztürk, PhD student from Turkey, among scores of people detained in the US". Global Voices. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
  45. ^ "Özgür Özel'den ABD'ye Rümeysa Öztürk tepkisi". Deutsche Welle (in Turkish). April 4, 2025.
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