A video has surfaced showing the arrest of Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Somerville, Massachusetts. She is now being held in Louisiana, according to a statement from Tufts University President Sunil Kumar.
The arrest has sparked concern among students, faculty, and state officials, with many questioning the reasons behind it.
Who is Rumeysa Ozturk?
Rumeysa Ozturk is a graduate student from Turkey studying at Tufts University. She was detained by federal immigration authorities and taken to Louisiana, as confirmed by ICE. Before her arrest, she was reportedly on her way to an Iftar gathering with friends, observing the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Why Was She Arrested?
According to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson, Ozturk was granted a visa to study in the U.S., but investigations found that she was involved in activities supporting Hamas, which is considered a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government.
“DHS and ICE investigations found Ozturk engaged in activities in support of Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization that relishes the killing of Americans,” said a DHS spokesperson. “A visa is a privilege, not a right. Supporting terrorists is grounds for visa cancellation.”
University and Public Reaction
Tufts University President Sunil Kumar expressed concern over Ozturk’s detention, saying the arrest video was disturbing. He also assured that the university is supporting its students, especially its Muslim and international communities, during this time.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell also criticized the arrest. She stated that Ozturk is a law-abiding student, and her detention appears to be based on political beliefs rather than security concerns.
“This is not public safety; it’s intimidation that will be closely scrutinized in court,” Campbell said.
Legal Status and Defense
Ozturk’s legal team confirmed that she had a valid F-1 student visa before her arrest. They claim:
- She has not been formally charged with any crimes.
- They are demanding her release.
- They were unable to contact her or confirm her exact whereabouts.
Her lawyers also stated that Ozturk has not faced disciplinary actions for participating in campus protests but did not confirm whether she had attended pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
Court Intervention & Protest
On Tuesday night, U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani ruled that Ozturk cannot be removed from Massachusetts until further legal proceedings take place.
Supporters of Ozturk have planned a rally in Somerville, demanding her release.
Trump Administration’s Crackdown on Hamas Supporters
This arrest comes after former President Donald Trump signed an executive order to cancel student visas of individuals suspected of supporting Hamas. The order was issued in response to rising tensions on college campuses following the 15-month-long war between Israel and Hamas.
“We will find and deport those who joined pro-jihadist protests in 2025,” Trump stated.
Ozturk’s Past Political Views
Ozturk co-authored an op-ed in the Tufts Daily in March 2024, criticizing the university’s response to student resolutions that:
- Demanded Tufts University acknowledge the Palestinian genocide.
- Called for divestment from companies tied to Israel.
- Sought an apology from the university president.
The Trump administration has also cut federal funding for Columbia University, accusing it of failing to address antisemitism on campus.
What’s Next?
Ozturk remains detained in Louisiana, and her legal team is working to secure her release. Meanwhile, the controversy over her arrest continues to grow, with protests and legal battles likely in the days ahead.
Tufts University has assured students that it is monitoring the situation and offering support to those affected.
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