Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish national and Tufts University graduate student, was detained by federal agents for her support of the pro-Palestinian movement. She was arrested near her home in Massachusetts and taken to an ICE facility in Louisiana where she claims the conditions are unsanitary and unsafe. Ozturk reported limited access to food, lack of proper treatment for her asthma, and mistreatment by a nurse who removed her hijab without permission. ICE has not responded to these claims. Ozturk also detailed her arrest, transfer to different detention facilities, and fear for her safety during the process. A judge questioned the legality of Ozturk’s detention and suggested that she be moved back to Vermont. Ozturk expressed her desire to return to Tufts University to complete her doctorate and continue her academic and community work. The Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated that Ozturk supported Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, but did not provide details on any charges against her. Ozturk’s case has raised concerns about the treatment of pro-Palestinian activists and possible constitutional issues.
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