Turkish Student Detained by ICE Moved to Vermont Despite Judge's Order

A Tufts University doctoral student from Turkiye, Rumeysa Ozturk, was detained by immigration authorities and moved to Vermont before a federal judge ordered her to remain in Massachusetts, according to US government lawyers. Ozturk, 30, was apprehended by immigration officials on March 25 while walking in Somerville, a Boston suburb. The following day, she was flown to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centre in Basile, Louisiana.

US District Judge Denise Casper in Boston had scheduled a hearing for Thursday regarding the case. On March 28, responding to a petition from Ozturk's legal team, Judge Casper ruled that Ozturk should not be removed from the United States "until further order of this court." However, on Tuesday, Justice Department lawyers argued that the judge does not have jurisdiction over Ozturk's case.

Legal Arguments and Jurisdiction

The Justice Department contended that Ozturk's lawyers should have filed her petition in the jurisdiction where she was detained. They suggested that the case be dismissed or transferred to Louisiana and that any challenges should be addressed in immigration court. Assistant US Attorney Mark Sauter stated, "Ozturk is not without recourse to challenge the revocation of her visa and her arrest and detention, but such challenge cannot be made before this court."

Ozturk's legal team has until late Wednesday afternoon to respond to the government's argument. They maintain that her detention violates her constitutional rights, including free speech and due process. They have requested that she be returned to Massachusetts and released from custody immediately.

Support and Controversy

Rallies supporting Ozturk took place in Boston and at Tufts University on Tuesday, with another planned for Wednesday in Boston. Ozturk is among several individuals linked to American universities who have faced visa revocations or entry denials after expressing support for Palestinians during the Gaza conflict.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed last week that Ozturk's visa was terminated following investigations suggesting she supported Hamas, a group designated as terrorist by the US. However, no evidence of this support was provided in the government's response on Tuesday.

Background and Reactions

Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented last week regarding Ozturk's situation: "We gave you a visa to come and study and get a degree, not to become a social activist, to tear up our university campuses." This statement followed an attack by Hamas militants on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and around 250 hostages being taken.

Israel's subsequent offensive has reportedly killed over 50,000 people according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Ozturk was one of four students who authored an op-ed in The Tufts Daily last year criticizing the university's response to student demands related to Palestinian issues. Friends have noted that apart from this article, Ozturk was not heavily involved in protests against Israel.

Ozturk is scheduled for an appearance before an immigration judge in Louisiana on April 7. The outcome of this hearing could significantly impact her future in the United States as she continues to challenge her detention and visa revocation through legal avenues.