Unjust Detention Ends: U.S. to Release Turkish Student, Causing Stir
United States to Free Imprisoned Turkmen Woman
In a surprising turn of events, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University is set to be released from prison after weeks of unlawful detention, as per U.S. media reports. The controversy surrounds the student's arrest by ICE in March 2025, following the revocation of her student visa by the U.S. Department of State, whom the student allegedly supported activities that favored Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization.
The arrest received widespread attention due to its controversial nature. Surveillance footage from the incident shows several men in civilian clothing surrounding and leading away the visibly frightened student.
The Town Hall Meeting
The student, whose identity remains undisclosed, co-authored an opinion piece in Tufts' student newspaper, criticizing the university's response to Israel's actions in Gaza. The opinion piece advocated for divestment from companies with ties to Israel and acknowledged the Palestinian situation.
The Judge's Verdict
U.S. District Judge William Sessions, presiding over the case, based his decision on the lack of evidence indicating that the student posed a threat or engaged in violent activities. He highlighted her peaceful character and the absence of any criminal record. The student's health conditions, such as her frequent asthma attacks during detention, were also taken into account.
A Wider Net
Ozturk's case is not an isolated incident. The Trump administration has recently arrested several foreign students and accused them of supporting Hamas. One of the most prominent cases is that of activist Mahmud Chalil, who was arrested in his New York apartment in March 2025 and transferred to a Louisiana prison.
Implications for Foreign Students
These cases show the complex and contentious environment faced by foreign students who engage in political discourse, especially regarding sensitive international issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The accusations of supporting terrorist organizations can have severe consequences, including detention and deportation, even if evidence supporting these claims is not fully presented. The legal system's role in weighing such allegations against the rights of foreign students to express themselves and engage in academic activities remains crucial.
A Case in Parallel
Around the same time as Ozturk's release, a federal appeals court rejected the Trump administration's bid to re-detain Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian campus activist from Columbia University. Mahdawi was also arrested by immigration authorities but was ordered released by a judge in Vermont. Both cases highlight the increasing scrutiny of pro-Palestinian activists and the legal challenges faced by foreign students involved in these movements on U.S. campuses.
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, given the sensitive nature of the Turkish student's detention and the potential threat it poses to academic freedom.
- Sources close to Ozturk's legal team have revealed that WhatsApp messages between the student and her peers discussing politics and general news, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, were used as evidence against her.
- The Tufts community, including faculty and students, have called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ozturk's arrest and detention, citing concerns about the impact on the campus's diverse population and the chilling effect on free speech.
- The release of Ozturk and Mahdawi, coupled with the growing number of cases of foreign students being targeted for their political beliefs, has prompted calls for increased awareness and support for students dealing with similar situations, especially in fields related to crime and justice.
