A U.S. judge has mandated the release of a Turkish student who was detained by federal agents as part of President Donald Trump’s initiative against pro-Palestinian campus activism.
Judge William Sessions stated that Rumeysa Ozturk, a PhD candidate at Tufts University in Massachusetts, should be released “immediately” from custody while her removal proceedings are ongoing.
Ms. Ozturk had her student visa revoked by the State Department after co-authoring an article in The Tufts Daily, criticizing the university’s response to student outrage regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Footage of her arrest on March 25 by masked agents on a sidewalk generated significant online outrage and heightened concerns regarding freedom of speech and due process under Mr. Trump.
Watch: CCTV footage shows Rumeysa Ozturk being detained by Federal Immigration Officers
“Continued detention potentially chills the speech of millions upon millions of individuals in this country who are not citizens,” the judge remarked.
“Any one of them may now refrain from exercising their First Amendment rights for fear of being taken to a detention center from their homes,” he added.
“The court finds that her continued detention cannot stand,” Judge Sessions stated. “The court orders the government to release Ms. Ozturk from custody immediately.”
The judge indicated that he was not imposing any travel restrictions on Ms. Ozturk, who is free to return to her residence in Massachusetts.
Ms. Ozturk is among several foreign students facing deportation due to their pro-Palestinian campus engagements, and she still confronts removal proceedings.
Tufts University has openly supported Ms. Ozturk, advocating for her release so that she can return to continue her doctoral studies in child development.
Jessie Rossman, legal director at the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, one of the groups representing Ms. Ozturk, applauded her release.
“For 45 days, Rumeysa has been detained in Louisiana,” Ms. Rossman stated. “During that time, she has experienced regular and worsening asthma attacks.
“Meanwhile, the government has failed to provide any justification for her detention,” Ms. Rossman continued, emphasizing that the ACLU “will continue to fight until she is free for good.”
Mr. Trump has targeted prestigious universities that have become the focal point of the U.S. student protest movement triggered by Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza, cutting federal funding and instructing immigration officers to deport foreign student demonstrators.
Critics contend that this campaign is punitive and will have a chilling effect on free speech, while supporters argue it is essential for restoring order on campuses and safeguarding Jewish students.
