Turkish Student Detained by U.S. Federal Agents at Tufts University: Video Shows Masked Men Handcuffing Her
Federal Arrest of Tufts University Student Sparks Outrage and Calls for Her Immediate Release
Rumeysa Ozturk, 30, a doctoral student, detained without explanation by Homeland Security agents.
Somerville, MA — A Turkish doctoral student, Rumeysa Ozturk, was detained by U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents on March 25, 2025, in a disturbing incident that has raised significant concerns about her treatment. According to her lawyer, Mahsa Khanbabai, Ozturk was stopped in Somerville, Massachusetts, while she was on her way to an iftar meal with friends during Ramadan. A video obtained by the Associated Press shows masked individuals handcuffing Ozturk and taking away her phone while she protests. The agents are heard identifying themselves as “the police” in the video.
Key Takeaways:
- Incident Details: Ozturk was detained by unidentified federal agents in Somerville, Massachusetts, on March 25, 2025, with no clear explanation given for her arrest. Video footage shows masked individuals taking action against her.
- Legal and Diplomatic Reactions: Ozturk’s lawyer confirmed she had a valid student visa and is not aware of any charges filed against her. The Turkish Embassy has expressed concerns, maintaining contact with her family and coordinating with the U.S. authorities.
- University Response: Tufts University President Sunil Kumar stated that the institution had no prior knowledge of the arrest, and Ozturk’s visa was reportedly terminated by federal authorities.
Arrest Raises Concerns Over U.S. Immigration Policies
The arrest of Ozturk, a Turkish national studying at Tufts University, has sparked outrage from both local residents and U.S. politicians. Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell expressed concern over the “disturbing” nature of the video, questioning whether the arrest was a form of intimidation rather than a legitimate security action. Democratic U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley called the arrest a violation of Ozturk’s constitutional rights and demanded her immediate release.
University and Community Outrage
Hundreds of people gathered in Somerville to demand Ozturk’s release. Protestors voiced their frustrations with the treatment of legal immigrants and raised their voices against U.S. foreign policies, particularly with respect to Palestine. Zoi Andalcio, a local business owner, joined the protest, calling the arrest a “kidnapping.”
Legal and Political Repercussions
While Ozturk’s visa has been revoked, U.S. officials claimed her detention was linked to alleged support for Hamas, a terrorist organization. This claim remains under investigation. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani has ordered that Ozturk not be moved out of the Massachusetts area without prior notice.
Ozturk, who co-wrote an article criticizing Tufts University’s response to Palestinian issues, has become a symbol of growing concerns over the treatment of international students and activists in the U.S.
International Reactions
The Turkish government has reached out to the U.S. State Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to ensure Ozturk’s legal rights are protected. The Turkish Embassy in Washington has stated that it is offering consular support to Ozturk’s family.
Conclusion: A Growing Debate on Immigration and Free Speech
The detention of Rumeysa Ozturk has sparked widespread debate on the balance between national security and the rights of international students and activists. As protests continue and legal proceedings unfold, many are calling for clarity on the circumstances surrounding her arrest and the broader implications for free speech and immigration policies in the U.S.
Stay updated for more details as the investigation progresses.
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