1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

The detention of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University, by federal agents raises serious concerns about due process and the protection of civil liberties. According to reports, Ozturk was arrested without explanation while meeting friends for a meal during Ramadan. Video footage shows masked agents detaining her in what appeared to be a forceful manner on a public street. While the Department of Homeland Security alleges Ozturk engaged in activities supporting Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, no formal charges have been filed. Her detention and the termination of her student visa appear to be linked to an opinion piece she co-authored criticizing the university's response to a student resolution on Palestinian issues. Penalizing someone over the mere expression of political views protected by the First Amendment sets a deeply troubling precedent that threatens free speech on campus. I urge you to thoroughly investigate this case and ensure Ozturk's constitutional rights are upheld. Detaining individuals without due process based on their political beliefs is unacceptable in a free society. Ozturk, who is being lawfully present in the United States on a valid student visa, must either be immediately released or afforded all legal protections, including being charged and prosecuted through our justice system. Resorting to shadowy actions that undermine core democratic values is a dangerous path that corrodes faith in our institutions.