US immigration authorities have detained a Turkish student, Rumeysa Ozturk, accusing her of supporting Hamas, a group labeled as a terrorist organization. Ozturk, a 30-year-old doctoral student at Tufts University in Massachusetts, was taken into custody near her home in Somerville. The incident has raised concerns and sparked protests, as many believe her detention is unjust.
On a Tuesday evening, Ozturk was reportedly meeting friends for iftar, the meal that breaks the fast during Ramadan, when she was approached by agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Footage of her arrest shows masked agents taking her into custody while she shouted for help. A witness described the scene as alarming, likening it to a kidnapping due to the agents’ unmarked vehicles and face coverings.
The DHS stated that Ozturk had engaged in activities that supported Hamas, which they claim poses a threat to Americans. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the DHS, emphasized that a visa is a privilege and can be revoked if someone is found to support terrorism. However, Ozturk’s lawyer, Mahsa Khanbabai, noted that no formal charges had been filed against her and expressed concern for her well-being, as they had not been able to contact her since the arrest.
Ozturk had previously co-authored an article criticizing Tufts University’s response to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Friends and supporters argue that she was not heavily involved in protests but has become a target due to her views. After her arrest, hundreds gathered to protest, demanding her release and criticizing both political parties for their handling of immigration issues and support for Palestinians.
The situation has drawn attention to broader concerns about the treatment of immigrants and students expressing political opinions in the US. Ozturk is currently being held at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center, despite a judge’s order requiring advance notice before transferring her out of Massachusetts. The Turkish Embassy is in contact with her family and is monitoring the situation closely.
