3 weeks ago
Federal authorities arrested Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk after her visa was terminated. The university denied prior knowledge. ICE has recently detained 370 people, with over 100 arrests classified as "collateral."
University officials said that the student was detained outside an off-campus apartment in Somerville. (Photo: AP)
UPDATED: Mar 26, 2025 18:09 IST
Federal authorities arrested a Turkish student from Tufts University, Massachusetts, on Tuesday after the termination of her visa.
According to the Boston Globe, the student is Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish national, who is part of Tufts’ doctoral program for Child Study and Human Development.
Ozturk’s attorney, Mahsa Khanbabai, has filed a habeas petition in Massachusetts federal court seeking her release from detention.
In a statement issued on Tuesday night, the university acknowledged reports of an international student being taken into federal custody.
University officials said that the student was detained outside an off-campus apartment in Somerville. The building has no affiliation with the university.
Officials did not disclose the student's name. However, they were informed that the student's visa had been terminated. The reason for the alleged termination remains unclear.
Tufts University is among several institutions facing allegations of antisemitism on campus due to pro-Palestinian protests.
Tufts University reassures international students
Tufts University President Sunil Kumar issued a statement reassuring international students.
He stated, “We realize that tonight’s news will be distressing to some members of our community, particularly the members of our international community. We will continue to provide information, support, and resources in the days ahead as more details become available to us.”
Tufts officials further clarified that they had no prior knowledge of the incident and did not provide any information to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The university has a protocol in place for any "unannounced site visit" from government agents. The statement read: “To activate that protocol, it is best to call the Tufts University Police Department at 617-627-3030 and inform the dispatcher, who will notify the appropriate university officials.”
In the past week, ICE has arrested 370 individuals in the area. Though, President Trump's Border Czar Tom Homan admitted that over 100 of these arrests were "collaterals," meaning they were carried out without warrants or probable cause.
Published By:
Aashish Vashistha
Published On:
Mar 26, 2025
