PhD Student at Tufts Arrested by US Immigration Authorities Over Alleged Visa Violation
A PhD student at Tufts University was detained earlier this week by US immigration authorities, raising legal and institutional questions around due process and visa enforcement. The student, identified as Rumeysa Ozturk, is a Turkish national studying on an F-1 visa, and was taken into custody by agents from the Department of Homeland Security near her residence in Somerville, Massachusetts.
The horrific moment that Tufts grad student and anti-war activist Rumeysa Ozturk was detained (kidnapped) by Trump’s ICE thugs.
Somerville, MA #FreePalestine #FreeRemeysa pic.twitter.com/eetyAN1LSF
— Working Mass (@DSAWorkingMass) March 26, 2025
According to her attorney, Ozturk was on her way to attend a gathering for Iftar on the evening of March 25 when she was apprehended. Legal counsel further stated that there have been no formal charges filed to date. A federal judge in Massachusetts has granted a habeas petition preventing her removal from the jurisdiction without prior court approval.
Federal Authorities Cite National Security Grounds
In a statement released to the media, the Department of Homeland Security claimed that its investigation determined Ozturk had engaged in activities in support of Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization under US law. Citing national security concerns, DHS emphasized that visa privileges can be revoked in such circumstances.
The student has since been transferred to a detention facility operated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Basile, Louisiana. Her attorney reported that more than 24 hours after the arrest, she had not been able to make contact with her client and expressed concern over the handling of the detention process.
University Responds with Limited Information
Tufts University issued a statement confirming the student’s arrest and clarified that the university had no prior knowledge of the incident. Officials stated that the event did not occur on campus and that they had not shared any student information with federal agencies.
The university also noted that they were informed that the student’s visa had been terminated but had yet to independently verify the details. In accordance with institutional policy, the university has offered to connect the student with external legal assistance if requested.
Legal and Institutional Implications
The case has attracted attention due to the intersection of immigration enforcement, academic freedom, and political expression. The incident echoes broader patterns involving international students facing immigration scrutiny in politically sensitive contexts. The lack of prior notice, rapid transfer across states, and limited access to counsel have further amplified concerns about due process and transparency.
It remains unclear when and how Ozturk’s visa status was officially revoked, and what specific evidence underpins the government’s allegations. Legal proceedings are expected to continue, with close scrutiny on whether the student’s rights under federal and immigration law were appropriately upheld.
As the situation develops, both the university and legal counsel have indicated they are seeking additional clarity regarding the reasons and legal basis for the arrest.
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