Vermont Judge Considers Release of Detained Tufts Student

Rumeysa Ozturk, a 30-year-old Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University, is currently detained by ICE in Louisiana after her visa was revoked without her knowledge. Supporters rallied at a Vermont federal courthouse as a judge considered whether to allow her return to Vermont for a hearing on her detention, which her lawyers argue is a retaliation for her pro-Palestinian op-ed. During the hearing, U.S. District Judge William Sessions indicated he might order her return to Vermont to address constitutional claims related to her habeas petition, despite the government's motion to dismiss the case for lack of jurisdiction. Ozturk's attorneys contend that her detention lacks evidence of wrongdoing, citing internal memos that found no proof of antisemitic behavior or support for terrorism. The case highlights issues of immigration enforcement and First Amendment rights, drawing national attention as it unfolds. A decision on the next steps in Ozturk's case is anticipated in May.