A federal judge ordered that a Turkish national studying at Tufts University, Rumeysa Öztürk, who wrote an opinion essay critical of Israel and the war in Gaza, must be transferred back to Vermont after being detained in Louisiana by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The judge refused the government’s attempt to dismiss her habeas petition, citing significant constitutional concerns with her arrest and detention. Öztürk was accused of supporting Hamas due to her involvement in writing the essay calling for acknowledgment of the “Palestinian genocide” and divestment from companies with ties to Israel. Her attorneys argued that advocating for human rights should not lead to imprisonment and accused the government of manipulating the case’s location for its benefit.
The ruling allows Öztürk to remain in custody in Vermont while her case proceeds in federal and immigration courts. Tufts University has defended her, stating that the essay did not violate its policies and was in line with its support for free speech. The Trump administration is attempting to deport international students, like Öztürk, for protesting against Israel’s actions in the war against Hamas. The University has petitioned for her release and stated that she has not violated immigration laws as per their understanding. The Department of Justice declined to comment on the ruling. The case highlights the tension between free speech, immigration laws, and political activism in the United States.
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