A Turkish doctoral student, Rumeysa Ozturk, 30, was detained by U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents on Tuesday night without explanation. Ozturk, a student at Tufts University, was stopped outside her Somerville home while on her way to a meal during Ramadan. Video footage captured six masked individuals seizing her phone and handcuffing her, while authorities claimed to be law enforcement, Ozturk’s lawyer stated that her client’s whereabouts remain unknown, and no charges have been filed.
Tufts University confirmed Ozturk’s visa was revoked, and the DHS claimed she was involved in activities supporting Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization. However, friends and supporters of Ozturk have expressed concerns, claiming the arrest may be politically motivated, linked to her criticism of U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Palestine.
The Turkish government has been in contact with U.S. authorities to provide consular assistance. Meanwhile, protests have erupted in Somerville, with demonstrators demanding Ozturk’s release, citing her constitutional rights and the broader issue of immigrant rights.
References: Offenhartz, Jake. Et. Al. “Turkish student at Tufts University detained, video shows masked people handcuffing her” March 26, 2025.
