1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

The recent detainment of Tufts University PhD student Rumeysa Ozturk by masked federal immigration agents is deeply concerning and appears to violate her constitutional right to free speech. As a Turkish national studying in the U.S. on a student visa, Ozturk had voiced support for Palestinian rights, which should not be grounds for arrest and deportation. Targeting and intimidating students for their political views goes against American principles of freedom of expression. This disturbing incident is part of a broader crackdown by the administration on pro-Palestinian activism on college campuses under the guise of combating antisemitism. However, conflating criticism of Israeli government policies with antisemitism is itself an attack on free speech. Deporting foreign students and revoking university funding over political advocacy sets a dangerous precedent that undermines open discourse. I urge you to call for Ozturk's immediate release and return to Massachusetts to continue her studies. Her unlawful detainment and transfer to Louisiana, despite a court order, is an egregious violation of due process. The government must stop using authoritarian tactics to suppress speech it disagrees with on campuses. Protecting fundamental freedoms for all, including immigrants and students, should be a core American value.