Boston, Massachusetts – Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts University student, was denied bond by an immigration judge in Louisiana last Wednesday. She was detained by federal agents and taken to a Louisiana detention center in a swift manner. The judge’s decision to deny bond was based on the argument presented by the Department of Homeland Security, claiming that Öztürk posed a flight risk. This decision has limited the avenues for Öztürk’s release from detention.
During the closed hearing, Öztürk’s attorneys argued against the government’s case, pointing out that it relied heavily on a one-paragraph State Department memo. The memo cited Öztürk’s involvement in associations that were deemed to undermine U.S. foreign policy. Specifically, it referenced an op-ed she co-wrote in 2024 that advocated for the disclosure and divestment from companies with ties to Israel. Despite the government’s claims, her attorneys stressed that there was no evidence to support the allegations made against Öztürk.
In response to the denial of bond, her legal team is exploring options to appeal the decision. They are also challenging the legitimacy of her arrest and detention in a Vermont federal court. Supporters of Öztürk, including professors, colleagues, and the president of Tufts University, have submitted letters to the court advocating for her release. They assert that she has not committed any crimes and that the government has failed to provide substantial evidence against her.
Additionally, Öztürk described the conditions at the detention facility as “unsafe, unsanitary, and inhumane” in a signed declaration filed in court. She also mentioned experiencing health issues, including asthma attacks, since being detained. This incident has sparked concerns about the treatment of individuals in detention centers and has raised questions about the government’s handling of cases involving freedom of speech.
As the legal proceedings continue, Öztürk remains in detention, awaiting further developments in her case. The pursuit of justice and the protection of civil liberties are central themes in this ongoing saga, highlighting the need for transparency and adherence to due process in immigration-related matters.