Mar 27, 2025 - News

Tufts student arrest draws Somerville protest

Over a thousand people gathered in Somerville's Powder House Square Wednesday to protest the arrest of Tufts University graduate student Rumeysa Ozturk by federal immigration agents.

The latest: Ozturk was transported to Louisiana before a federal judge issued an order prohibiting her movement, according to prosecutors.

DHS says Ozturk "engaged in activities in support of Hamas." Her attorney said yesterday she was unlawfully arrested while on a valid student visa.

Catch up quick: Federal agents arrested the Turkish doctoral candidate Tuesday night.

Ozturk is likely the first Boston-area student detained because of pro-Palestinian activism.

What's next: Judge Indira Talwani has given immigration officials until Friday to show why Ozturk was detained.

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