Rumeysa Ozturk, a PhD student from Turkey studying at Tufts University, was arrested by plainclothes immigration officers in Somerville, Massachusetts, on March 26. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims that she was involved in activities supporting Hamas, which led to the cancellation of her visa. However, no formal charges have been filed against her.

Ozturk was taken into custody near her off-campus home while she was on her way to an Iftar gathering to break her Ramadan fast. Her lawyer, Mahsa Khanbabai, stated that she had a valid student visa at the time of her arrest. Despite this, DHS agents physically restrained and handcuffed her without giving an immediate explanation.

Her detention has sparked concerns among legal experts, university officials, and civil rights groups, who are questioning the legal grounds for her arrest and the manner in which it was carried out.

Who is Rumeysa Ozturk?

Rumeysa Ozturk is a Turkish PhD student at Tufts University. In March 2023, she co-wrote an article in The Tufts Daily, criticizing the university's response to its student government passing resolutions. These resolutions called on Tufts to acknowledge the alleged genocide in Palestine, reveal its financial investments, and stop funding companies linked to Israel.

Why is Her Arrest Important?

Ozturk's arrest is part of a growing pattern in which immigrants with valid visas have been detained after expressing support for Palestinians. Since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, 2023, several individuals have faced visa revocations and arrests. The Trump administration has stated that it will revoke visas for individuals whose views do not align with its foreign policy. One notable case was the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil in New York City.

What Happened to Rumeysa Ozturk?

On the evening of March 26, 2024, Ozturk was leaving her home when about six masked agents approached and arrested her. A video of the incident captured a bystander questioning why the officers, who identified themselves as "the police," were covering their faces.

Her attorney, Mahsa Khanbabai, told Newsweek that the agents were from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and did not immediately provide a reason for her detention. Khanbabai has not been able to contact Ozturk since her arrest.

According to her lawyer, Ozturk had a valid student visa that allowed her to stay in the U.S. However, a statement from Tufts University, shared with Newsweek, claimed that her visa had been revoked. The university is currently working to verify this information.