Key Takeaways:
- A Turkish graduate student, Rumeysa Ozturk, was detained by DHS agents near Tufts University in Massachusetts.
- The incident was caught on a doorbell camera, showing her being handcuffed and taken away without explanation.
- Ozturk, a Muslim wearing a hijab, was on her way to meet friends for Ramadan.
- Her attorney says she still doesn’t know the charges or where she’s being held.
- Ozturk had criticized Tufts University leadership in an op-ed for not supporting Palestinian rights.
- A Trump administration spokesperson claimed she supported Hamas but didn’t accuse her of a crime.
- This incident follows a pattern of arrests targeting pro-Palestinian activists.
Doorbell Video Captures Shocking Arrest of Turkish Student
A disturbing video is making waves online after a Turkish graduate student was detained by agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) near Tufts University in Massachusetts. The incident happened on Wednesday, leaving many questions unanswered.
Rumeysa Ozturk, 30, was on her way to meet friends to break the Ramadan fast when she was suddenly surrounded by officers. The doorbell camera footage shows her being handcuffed and led away without any clear explanation.
CNN’s Gloria Pazmino described the video: “You see her walking into the frame, and officers quickly surround her. She tries to talk to them, but they don’t give any reason for detaining her. They take her backpack, put her in handcuffs, and then lead her into an SUV before driving off.”
Who Is Rumeysa Ozturk?
Ozturk is a graduate student at Tufts University and a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights. In March 2024, she co-authored an op-ed with other students calling on the university to support Palestinian students and divest from companies tied to Israel. The op-ed criticized the university’s leadership for not taking a stronger stance on Palestinian issues.
Her attorney believes her activism may have led to her detention. “She was simply expressing her views, which is her right,” the lawyer said. “But now, she’s being held without knowing the charges against her.”
DHS Claims She Supported Hamas
A spokesperson for the Trump administration said that DHS and ICE investigations found Ozturk engaged in activities supporting Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. However, the spokesperson did not accuse her of committing a crime or breaking any laws. They emphasized that her visa is a “privilege, not a right.”
Ozturk’s attorney has filed a motion to stop any potential deportation proceedings. “We need to ensure she’s treated fairly and that her rights are protected,” the lawyer said.
Part of a Bigger Pattern?
This arrest comes after President Donald Trump announced the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a leader of pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University in New York. Trump called it “the first arrest of many to come.” Critics fear this could signal a crackdown on Palestinian activists and advocates in the U.S.
What Happens Next?
As of now, Ozturk’s location and the charges against her remain unclear. Her attorney is working to uncover more details and ensure her legal rights are upheld. The case has sparked concern among civil rights groups and advocates for free speech.
Conclusion
Rumeysa Ozturk’s detention has raised questions about freedom of speech, activism, and the treatment of international students in the U.S. While authorities claim she supported Hamas, no criminal charges have been filed. Her attorney and supporters are fighting to uncover the truth and ensure she receives a fair hearing.
This story is ongoing, and Digital Chew will provide updates as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for further developments.