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Boston – Rumeysa Ozturk, a PhD student at Tufts University, was detained by federal agents near her apartment in Somerville, Massachusetts, on Tuesday evening while on her way to an Iftar dinner. The 30-year-old Turkish national was arrested by six plainclothes immigration officers, who restrained her without showing their badges until she was already in custody, according to neighborhood surveillance footage.

Ozturk, working toward her doctorate in psychology, is one of several foreign nationals at prestigious American universities recently arrested for alleged ties to terrorist organizations. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused her of “engaging in activities in support of Hamas”, though officials have not provided specific evidence of these allegations.

She is currently at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Louisiana, sparking outrage among students, faculty, and human rights advocates.

Ozturk’s Arrest Caught on Camera

Surveillance footage from a neighbor’s camera, obtained by the Muslim Justice League, shows six officers approaching Ozturk as she walks alone. One officer grabs her arms while another pulls out a concealed badge before confiscating her phone. Shortly after, the officers cover their faces with cloth masks as they restrain her hands behind her back.

A bystander, hearing Ozturk’s shocked reaction, questions the officers, saying, “You don’t look like police. Why are you hiding your faces?” Within a minute, Ozturk is placed into a black SUV and driven away.

Her lawyer, Masha Khanbabai, says ICE did not allow Ozturk to contact legal representation for nearly 24 hours. During this time, she was moved between multiple government offices before being flown to Louisiana, where she remains detained.

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Allegations and Political Implications

DHS claims Ozturk’s activities could have “potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences”, though they have not specified what those activities entail.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested—without providing direct evidence—that Ozturk may have participated in pro-Palestinian student protests related to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

“If you apply for a student visa and then engage in movements involved in vandalizing universities, harassing students, or taking over buildings, we’re not going to let you stay,” Rubio stated Thursday.

They’ve also terminated Ozturk’s F-1 student visa, according to Tufts University President Sunil Kumar.

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Who is Rumeysa Ozturk?

• Turkish national who arrived in the U.S. in 2018 on a Fulbright scholarship
• Completed a master’s degree at Columbia University before starting a PhD at Tufts University
• Studying psychology, with 10 months left to complete her dissertation
• Co-wrote an op-ed in March 2024, criticizing Tufts’ response to student calls for divestment from Israeli-linked companies

Ozturk’s brother, Asim Ozturk, believes her detention is political.

“She has not taken any action beyond expressing her opinion within the framework of freedom of speech,” he said.

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Community and Political Reactions

Tufts University Responds

Tufts officials say they had no prior knowledge of Ozturk’s arrest. President Kumar called the video footage “disturbing”, emphasizing the university’s support for international students.

“We recognize how frightening and distressing this situation is, especially for our international students, staff, and faculty,” he stated.

Protests and Public Outrage

Hundreds gathered Wednesday night in a park near Tufts University to protest Ozturk’s detention.

“The fact that someone can just be disappeared for voicing an idea is horrifying,” said protester Sam Wachman.

Political Response

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has called for a full investigation into Ozturk’s treatment and ICE’s handling of the case.

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, a vocal advocate for immigration reform and civil liberties, has demanded answers from DHS and ICE, calling Ozturk’s case part of a larger pattern of aggressive immigration enforcement.

Legal Battle Over Ozturk’s Detention

Ozturk’s lawyer, Masha Khanbabai, has filed a federal petition in Boston, challenging the legality of her detention and requesting that she not be moved outside Massachusetts.

Federal Judge Indira Talwani issued an order on Tuesday stating not to transfer Ozturk out of Massachusetts without prior notice. However, before the orser issue, ICE had already flown her to Louisiana.

Additionally, Ozturk was reportedly denied access to her asthma medication, according to legal filings.

“Like other cases involving international students who have spoken about atrocities in Palestine, the government is making wild accusations without providing any evidence,” Khanbabai said.

What’s Next?

For Ozturk

• Remains detained at South Louisiana ICE Processing Center
• Awaiting court hearings regarding her visa status and potential deportation
• Legal team continues to fight for her release

Tufts University and the Student Community

• Increased support for international students
• University engaging with local and federal officials on the matter
• Ongoing protests and advocacy efforts calling for Ozturk’s release

The U.S. Government

• DHS must respond to the legal petition by March 28
• Continued scrutiny over ICE’s treatment of detained international students
• Growing political debate over immigration policies and student visa restrictions

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