Tufts Graduate Students Detained Amid Controversy Over Support for Hamas

MEDFORD, Mass. — Rumeysa Ozturk, a 30-year-old international graduate student at Tufts University, was detained by federal agents in Somerville, Massachusetts, on Tuesday evening. According to a representative from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Ozturk engaged in activities in support of Hamas, a designation that has sparked significant controversy.

Ozturk, who holds a valid F-1 student visa, was reportedly on her way to meet friends to break her Ramadan fast when she was apprehended by agents on a residential street. Video footage shows multiple agents exiting a parked SUV and taking Ozturk into custody.

Her attorney, Mahsa Khanbabai, criticized the detainment, asserting that Ozturk was unlawfully arrested. “Masked and plainclothes DHS agents unlawfully arrested my client Rumeysa Ozturk, despite a federal court judge’s order that she not be removed from the state,” said Khanbabai in a statement. “Over 24 hours after her arrest, Rumeysa has yet to be processed to her final detention facility, and I have been unable to speak with my client.”

The DHS statement claimed that a visa is a privilege, not a right, and that supporting terrorist organizations justifies revoking that privilege. “Glorifying and supporting terrorists who kill Americans is grounds for visa issuance to be terminated. This is commonsense security,” said Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of the DHS.

Tufts University has stated that it was not aware of the impending arrest and that it is seeking confirmation regarding Ozturk’s visa status. University President Sunil Kumar emphasized that the institution did not share information with federal authorities before the incident occurred and that the event took place off campus.

In response to Ozturk’s arrest, hundreds of supporters gathered in Powder House Square on Wednesday evening, demanding her release. Many attendees believe her detention is politically motivated, connected to her co-authorship of an op-ed in the Tufts Daily last year that condemned the Israeli military actions in Palestine and urged for divestment from companies linked to Israel.

“This is the wrong thing for America and for Medford,” said Zac Bears, president of the Medford City Council, adding that such actions do not reflect the values of the community. “We need to really see robust action from the state government here in Massachusetts to say that we’re not going to let this happen here.”

Community organizations, including the Palestinian Youth Movement, have expressed their support for Ozturk, organizing an emergency rally to coincide with recent events. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani has also intervened, ordering immigration officials to respond to a habeas corpus petition by Friday. The judge stipulated that Ozturk not be moved outside of Massachusetts without at least 48 hours of notice.

The unfolding situation has raised questions about the treatment of international students and free speech on college campuses. During the rally, attendees expressed concern that such detentions create a chilling effect on discourse and safety for students. “The university campus should absolutely be a place for the free and open exchange of ideas, and the fact that someone can just be disappeared into the abyss for voicing an idea is absolutely horrifying,” said rally attendee Sam Wachman.

As of now, no charges have been publicly filed against Ozturk, and her attorney continues to advocate for her release while awaiting a response from federal immigration officials.