On March 25, 2025, Rumeysa Ozturk, a 30-year-old Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University, was arrested by DHS agents near her home in Somerville, Massachusetts. Authorities claim she was involved in activities supporting Hamas, but her attorney denies the allegations, emphasizing she had a valid student visa.
The arrest has led to widespread protests, with Tufts University and U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley condemning the action. Legal challenges are underway to contest her detention and visa revocation, while the Turkish embassy is actively working on her case.
Ozturk is currently held at a Louisiana ICE facility, despite a court order to keep her in Massachusetts. The case has raised concerns about immigration enforcement, political expression, and the rights of international students.
