A Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University, Rumeysa Ozturk, has been detained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under unclear circumstances, raising concerns about due process and international student rights.
Ozturk, 30, was reportedly stopped by DHS agents shortly after leaving her home in Somerville. Her lawyer, Mahsa Khanbabai, filed a petition in Boston federal court, seeking clarity on her arrest. Ozturk had been studying in the U.S. on a valid F-1 visa, which allows international students to pursue full-time academic programs.
In March 2024, Ozturk co-authored an op-ed criticizing Tufts University’s stance on the pro-Palestinian movement. Some observers suspect a possible connection between her public stance and her sudden detention, though no official reason has been provided.
Tufts University distanced itself from the arrest, with President Sunil Kumar clarifying that the institution had no prior knowledge of the incident. He confirmed that Ozturk’s visa status had reportedly been terminated and emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting international students facing distressing situations.
The Turkish embassy in the U.S. has stepped in, stating that it is closely monitoring the case and engaging with U.S. authorities to provide legal and consular support for Ozturk. The Turkish government has contacted the U.S. Department of State and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to ensure her rights are protected.
While Tufts and Turkish officials have addressed the matter publicly, U.S. authorities have remained largely silent. The U.S. State Department has declined to comment, citing privacy and confidentiality laws.
Ozturk’s detention has sparked concerns among human rights advocates and academic circles, with many questioning whether international students engaging in political discourse are being unfairly targeted. The case highlights growing anxieties about student activism and the legal uncertainties surrounding visa holders in the U.S.
