A federal judge ordered that Tufts University student Rumeysa Öztürk, a Turkish national, be transferred back to Vermont from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Louisiana. Öztürk was arrested for co-writing an opinion essay criticizing the university’s response to a resolution calling for disclosure of investments and divestment from companies tied to Israel. The Department of Homeland Security accused her of supporting Hamas.
Judge William K. Sessions III refused to dismiss Öztürk’s habeas petition, citing significant constitutional concerns with her arrest and detention. Her attorneys argued that advocating for Palestinian rights should not lead to imprisonment or deportation. The Department of Justice declined to comment on Friday’s ruling.
The Trump administration is seeking to deport international students like Öztürk who protested Israel’s actions during the war with Hamas. Tufts University has supported Öztürk and believes her essay did not violate its policies on free speech. The university leadership has requested her release from custody.
Friday’s ruling allows Öztürk to remain in ICE custody in Vermont while her habeas petition and removal case proceed in federal and immigration courts, respectively. Öztürk’s attorneys consider the ruling a victory, claiming that the federal government is trying to manipulate the outcome of her case.
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