Rumeysa Ozturk, a 30-year-old Turkish student at Tufts University, was abruptly detained by U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents under controversial circumstances on March 26, 2025. Ozturk, a Turkish national, had been leaving her home in Somerville, Massachusetts, to meet friends for iftar, the meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan.
A video of her arrest surfaced, showing masked individuals handcuffing her and confiscating her phone while she screamed in distress. The arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with concerns about due process, potential political motivations, and the treatment of international students in the United States.
Mysterious Detention and Lack of Due Process
Eyewitnesses and surveillance footage suggest that Rumeysa Ozturk’s detention was conducted in an alarming manner. The video, obtained by The Associated Press, shows six individuals in masks surrounding her, claiming to be law enforcement officers.
However, their unmarked vehicles and concealed identities led some to question whether the incident was a kidnapping rather than a lawful arrest. A neighbor who witnessed the event described the scene as unsettling, highlighting how the officials did not wear standard police uniforms and avoided showing identification.
Rumeysa Ozturk’s lawyer, Mahsa Khanbabai, filed a petition in Boston federal court, stating that her client’s detention lacked transparency and due process. She emphasized that Ozturk had not been charged with any crime and that her current whereabouts were initially unknown.
Despite holding a valid visa for her studies, she was taken into custody without explanation, fueling speculation about the real motive behind her arrest.
Read : Palestinian Student Protester Arrested by US Immigration Agents at Columbia University
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani issued an order demanding an official explanation from the government by Friday and ruled that Ozturk should not be moved outside Massachusetts without prior notice.
Tufts student Rumeysa Ozturk was detained by ICE.
— Tori Bedford (@Tori_Bedford) March 26, 2025
A video shared with GBH News shows a man in a hoodie approach her, then grab her wrists. Ozturk screams, then asks “Can I call the police?” before being told “We’re the police.”https://t.co/6dwvEmqjVr@sweetadelinevt @GBHNews pic.twitter.com/NAAgGVpp9G
However, hours later, she was listed as being held at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center, suggesting that authorities had ignored the court order. This unexpected transfer only intensified the legal and political debate surrounding the case.
Allegations and Political Controversy
A senior DHS spokesperson justified Rumeysa Ozturk’s detention by accusing her of engaging in activities that supported Hamas, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization.
According to the DHS, her alleged involvement in pro-Palestinian activism and anti-Israel sentiments warranted the termination of her visa and subsequent detention. The spokesperson insisted that a visa was a privilege, not a right, and that glorifying terrorism could lead to its revocation.
However, Rumeysa Ozturk’s supporters strongly contest these allegations. They argue that the only evidence presented against her was an op-ed she co-authored in The Tufts Daily, where she criticized the university’s handling of resolutions related to Palestine.
The article called for transparency regarding Tufts’ financial ties to Israeli-linked businesses and urged the institution to acknowledge the suffering of Palestinians. Following the publication, Ozturk’s name and photo appeared on Canary Mission, a controversial website that compiles profiles of individuals it claims are anti-Israel.
Friends and colleagues of Rumeysa Ozturk describe her as a dedicated academic with no history of violent rhetoric or extremist affiliations. A psychology professor at Northeastern University who had worked with her for a decade called her “soft-spoken, kind, and deeply focused on research.”
Many believe that her detention is part of a broader crackdown on international students and activists who have voiced support for Palestine. The timing of her arrest, during the holy month of Ramadan, has also led to accusations of religious and political intimidation.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell called the video of her detention “disturbing” and warned that it could set a dangerous precedent. Representative Ayanna Pressley condemned the arrest as a violation of constitutional rights and demanded Ozturk’s immediate release.
Protests and International Reactions
News of Rumeysa Ozturk’s arrest quickly spread, triggering protests in Somerville and beyond. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in a local park, chanting “Free Rumeysa Ozturk now” and waving Palestinian flags. The crowd included students, faculty members, activists, and concerned citizens who viewed her detention as an attack on academic freedom and free speech.
The protest also served as a broader demonstration against U.S. immigration policies, which many see as becoming increasingly hostile toward non-citizens with political opinions that challenge the government’s stance.
Among the demonstrators was Zoi Andalcio, a Somerville business owner who attended the rally with his family. He expressed concern that legal non-citizens were being targeted for their views, calling the situation “maddening.”
Another protester, Roz Nazzaro, compared the incident to tactics used in authoritarian regimes, warning that such actions could soon target U.S. citizens who dissent against the government.
Internationally, the Turkish government has expressed concern over Rumeysa Ozturk’s situation. The Turkish Embassy in Washington confirmed that it had been in contact with both the U.S. State Department and ICE to ensure that Ozturk receives consular assistance and legal support. In a statement on social media, the embassy assured the public that it was taking “every effort” to protect her rights.
Despite these efforts, Rumeysa Ozturk remains in detention in Louisiana, far from her legal representatives and support network in Massachusetts. Her case is expected to be closely monitored by human rights organizations, legal experts, and international observers.
The coming days will determine whether the U.S. government can justify its actions in court or whether public pressure will lead to her release.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….
