A federal judge in Massachusetts has ruled that Rumeysa Ozturk, a 30-year-old Turkish doctoral student, cannot be deported for the time being. Ozturk was detained by immigration officials earlier this week after expressing support for Palestinians.
The incident occurred near her home in Massachusetts on Tuesday evening. A video of her arrest went viral, showing masked federal agents handcuffing her while she yelled for help. Bystanders questioned the agents about their concealed identities as they led her away.
On Friday, the judge issued an order stating that Ozturk should not be removed from the United States until the court can address the legal issues surrounding her case. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has accused her of supporting Hamas, which the U.S. government classifies as a terrorist organization. However, they have not provided any evidence to support these claims.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated on social media that Ozturk’s actions amounted to "glorifying and supporting terrorists," which could justify terminating her visa. The court’s decision has been welcomed by Ozturk’s legal team, who argue that her detention was unlawful.
Ozturk is a student at Tufts University and has previously criticized the school’s response to calls for divestment from companies linked to Israel. Her case has sparked protests, with many rallying in support of her right to free speech and expression.
The situation highlights growing tensions around immigration policies and the treatment of individuals expressing pro-Palestinian views in the U.S. The judge’s ruling offers a temporary reprieve for Ozturk, but the broader implications of her case remain to be seen as it unfolds.