Turkish PhD Student Detained by ICE Sparks Legal and Political Outcry

Rumeysa Ozturk, accused of pro-Hamas activities without evidence, was transferred to Louisiana in defiance of a federal court order, fueling protests and demands for accountability.

Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish PhD student at Tufts University, was arrested by masked ICE agents in Massachusetts and transferred to a detention facility in Louisiana despite a federal judge's order to keep her in the state.
The Trump administration alleges Ozturk supported Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist group, but has provided no evidence to substantiate the claim.
Her detention is part of a broader crackdown targeting international students and activists accused of pro-Palestinian activism, with approximately 300 student visas revoked under similar allegations.
Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, have demanded explanations from DHS and ICE, citing concerns over free speech, academic freedom, and procedural violations.
Public protests and legal challenges continue to grow, with critics warning of a chilling effect on international students and academic expression in the U.S.