An emergency rally was called for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Powder House Square in Somerville to protest the detention of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University international graduate student. Ozturk, a Turkish national and doctoral candidate, was taken into custody by federal authorities on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, outside her off-campus apartment in Somerville. Activists, including the Palestinian Youth Movement Boston, organized the rally to address what they termed a violation of Ozturk's rights.
On the day of her detention, Ozturk was reportedly on her way to an Iftar dinner with friends when she was approached by a man in a blue sweatshirt who asked to speak with her. Moments later, she found herself surrounded by six federal immigration agents in plainclothes and masks. Witnesses described the scene as alarming, with Ozturk being handcuffed and taken away in an unmarked SUV. "It looked like a kidnapping," said Michael Mathis, a neighbor whose surveillance camera captured the incident.
According to Ozturk’s attorney, Mahsa Khanbabai, no charges have been filed against her. Khanbabai stated, "We are unaware of her whereabouts and have not been able to contact her. We hope Rumeysa will be released immediately." Ozturk was confirmed to be in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, but the exact location of her detention was not disclosed.
U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani intervened on March 26, ordering the government not to transfer Ozturk out of state without at least 48 hours' notice. This order came amidst growing concerns over the implications of Ozturk's detention, which many see as part of a broader crackdown on civil liberties, particularly for students involved in activism.
The incident has drawn significant attention from political leaders. U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley condemned the arrest as a "horrifying violation" of Ozturk’s rights, emphasizing that the action against her appears to be linked to her exercise of free speech regarding pro-Palestinian issues. Pressley stated, "We won't stand by while the Trump Administration continues to abduct students with legal status and attack our fundamental freedoms."
Similarly, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed her alarm over the situation, highlighting the troubling nature of a legal resident being detained for what seems to be the exercise of free speech. Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne echoed these sentiments, stressing that Ozturk's detention raises serious questions about the rights of individuals, particularly those in the international community.
The context surrounding Ozturk’s detention is particularly significant. Just weeks prior, Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student, was also detained under similar circumstances, raising fears of a pattern targeting students involved in pro-Palestinian activism. Khalil has since challenged his detention, which authorities have linked to his participation in protests.
In a statement regarding Ozturk, Tufts University President Sunil Kumar confirmed that the university had no prior knowledge of the incident and did not share any information with federal authorities before the arrest. Kumar noted that the university was informed after the abduction that Ozturk's visa had been terminated. However, Khanbabai maintains that Ozturk was maintaining valid F-1 visa status as a student at Tufts.
Ozturk, who is set to complete her doctoral program in Child Study and Human Development, has previously voiced her support for Palestinian rights. In a 2024 op-ed co-authored for the Tufts Daily, she criticized the university's response to calls for divestment from companies with ties to Israel, urging the university to "acknowledge the Palestinian genocide." This activism has raised suspicions about the motivations behind her detention.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that Ozturk's visa was revoked due to her alleged engagement in activities supporting Hamas, a designation that has sparked outrage among her supporters who argue that such claims are unfounded and serve to stifle dissent.
As the protest at Powder House Square unfolded, members of the community gathered to express their solidarity with Ozturk and condemn the actions of federal authorities. Flyers were distributed, urging people to report ICE sightings and support the rally, which was seen as a critical moment for defending free speech and academic freedom.
In the wake of Ozturk's detention, the atmosphere in Somerville has shifted, with residents expressing fear over the implications of such federal actions. "We’re supposed to be a sanctuary city. We’re supposed to be a place of safety," Mathis lamented, reflecting a broader sentiment among neighbors who feel unsettled by the event. Others echoed his concerns, stating they felt unsafe in their own community.
Ozturk's case is part of a worrying trend, as federal immigration authorities have ramped up actions against international students involved in activism. Just recently, a Lebanese doctor was deported after being denied re-entry to the U.S. due to alleged associations with Hezbollah, further illustrating the precarious position of foreign nationals engaging in political discourse.
As the situation develops, many are calling for immediate action to secure Ozturk's release and restore her rights. The rally on March 26 is expected to draw significant attention, as community members and activists rally to defend not only Ozturk but also the principles of free speech and academic freedom that are increasingly under threat.
In the coming days, as more information becomes available, the university and Ozturk's supporters remain committed to advocating for her release and addressing the broader implications of her detention for civil liberties in the U.S.
