May 31, 2025 3:06 am
Full News

Tufts Student Rümeysa Öztürk Released from ICE Detention by Judge’s Order

Tufts University doctoral student Rümeysa Öztürk has been released from a Louisiana immigration detention facility following a federal judge’s order. Öztürk had been detained for six weeks, sparking national concern over the Trump administration’s treatment of international students, particularly Muslim academics.

Judge William Sessions of the U.S. District Court in Vermont ordered her release, citing significant concerns over due process and First Amendment violations. The only evidence presented against Öztürk was an opinion article she co-wrote criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza.

“There is no evidence here,” Sessions stated in court. He also noted Öztürk’s deteriorating asthma condition and her need to continue her doctoral studies as factors influencing the decision.

Appearing via video from the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center, Öztürk responded calmly to questions about her health. She said her asthma had worsened due to exposure to cleaning chemicals and the stressful environment in detention.

The government did not call any witnesses or cross-examine Öztürk. Federal prosecutors maintained that the Vermont court lacked jurisdiction, but both Sessions and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals rejected that argument.

Under the court order, Öztürk is now free to live in Massachusetts and travel to Vermont for legal proceedings. Her next court appearance is scheduled for May 22, where the judge will hear arguments on her claim that her constitutional rights were violated—separate from any deportation proceedings.

Judge Sessions refused a government request to restrict Öztürk’s travel, citing her dedication to her academic career and the absence of any evidence of criminal behavior.

Tufts University expressed support, saying they looked forward to Öztürk resuming her studies. “Nothing in her op-ed violated our policies or values,” said university spokesman Mike Rodman.

Öztürk’s arrest on March 25 came just days after her visa was quietly revoked. Her supporters say the arrest and transfer to a facility over 1,500 miles away was a retaliatory act targeting her political views.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell called the release “a welcome step toward justice,” while noting the legal battle is far from over. Congressional leaders including Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren also condemned Öztürk’s detention, calling it an egregious violation of her rights.

Friends and faculty at Tufts described Öztürk as a compassionate and courageous student leader. “She might appear shy, but she has a boldness when it matters,” said Najiba Akbar, a former Muslim chaplain at Tufts.

Legal experts and civil rights advocates see her release as a symbolic victory, highlighting concerns about freedom of speech and academic freedom under tightened immigration policies.

Related News
‘Kraven the Hunter’ to Release in China Theaters
Texas Passes Bill Banning Sharia Law
In Bangladesh, Lawsuit Filed Against Four Journalists
UNHR Commissioner at Dhaka University
Journalistic Integrity Challenged: Two More Kaler Kantho Journalists Forced Out
BCS Police Six Batches Cadres Face Reverification
Related Posts
Israeli President Flees Stadium with Wife After Yemeni Missile Attack
India Deploys Rafale Jets and S-400 Systems in Strategic ‘Chicken’s Neck’ Corridor
U.S. Vows Crackdown on Chinese ‘Exploitation’ of Universities and Research Theft
Hundreds Swept Away in Devastating Floods in Nigeria
Uncertainty Clouds June 2 Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks as Kyiv Demands Clarity on Kremlin’s Term
India Shifts Military Doctrine: Navy to Lead Response Against Future Pakistan Aggression
More News

Gold Prices Rise After Trump’s New Tariff Plan Announcement

Gold prices surged in the international market shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new tariff plan. According to a Reuters report, the announcement led to an immediate increase in gold prices. On April 2, at around 4 PM local time in Washington, President Trump unveiled the new tariff policy during a press conference […]

Yunus Govt’s Concern Over Women’s Entertainment Obstructions Criticized

Recently, numerous female celebrities in Bangladesh have been facing threats in various forms. They have been obstructed from carrying out their work, with popular stars like Mehazabien Chowdhury, Porshi, Pori Moni, and Apu Biswas among those affected. The interim government has expressed deep concern over the recent hindrances to women’s recreational activities in the country. […]

Cristiano Ronaldo Launches Film Studio, Teams Up With Top Director

Cristiano Ronaldo is stepping into Hollywood. The soccer legend has partnered with Kingsman director Matthew Vaughn to launch a new film studio called UR•MARV. The pair has already produced two action-packed movies and is working on a third. Their goal is to mix sports, storytelling, and high-end technology to create global entertainment hits. “This is […]

India-Pakistan Trade Surpasses Official Records, Estimated at $10 Billion Annually

May 2, 2025 – Dhaka, BangladeshDespite official restrictions, trade between India and Pakistan continues through indirect channels, with estimates suggesting that goods worth $10 billion are exchanged annually. While formal trade has dwindled since 2019, businesses have adapted by rerouting shipments through third countries such as Dubai, Singapore, and Colombo.According to the Global Trade Research […]

BRICS Leaders Pledge to Establish Democratic, Multipolar World Order: Putin

“Moscow: BRICS Nations Committed to Advancing Democratic, Multipolar World Order, Says Putin at Kazan Summit” “It is important that the declaration reaffirms our commitment to building a more democratic, inclusive, and multipolar world order, based on international law and the UN Charter,” Putin stated. Putin also emphasized that BRICS remains open to all countries sharing […]

Lashkar-e-Taiba Commander Claims Role in 2024 Coup That Toppled Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh

A senior commander of the UN-designated terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has claimed that the group played a significant role in the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government during the political upheaval in Bangladesh in July-August 2024. The remarks, made by top LeT leader Muzammil Hashmi during a recent speech in Gujranwala, Pakistan, have sparked serious concern […]

Bangladesh’s Interim Government Accused of Failing to Protect Minorities

In a significant development in Bangladesh, the country’s largest minority rights group has accused the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, of failing to protect religious and ethnic minorities from attacks and harassment. This accusation comes amidst a backdrop of political upheaval following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina due to […]

US Expresses Support for India’s Right to Self-Defense

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a telephone conversation with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during which Hegseth expressed condolences over the recent attack in Pahalgam and assured full support for India’s right to self-defense. According to NDTV, the US Secretary reaffirmed America’s strong support for India’s fight against terrorism, stating that the United States […]

42 Killed in Suspected Herders’ Attacks on Farmers in Nigeria

The Voice News: At least 42 people have been killed in attacks across four villages in Nigeria, allegedly carried out by nomadic herders. British media outlet The Guardian reported the incident. According to Reuters, quoting local official Victor Omonin, 10 people were killed on Saturday (May 24) in attacks on the villages of Tiyolaha and […]

Witnesses Describe New Orleans Tragedy: ‘The Scene Was Just Horrific’

In the early hours of New Year’s Day, Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter was alive with celebration for 2025. The festive mood turned to horror when a white pickup truck smashed into a crowd, resulting in 10 deaths and numerous injuries. Whit Davis, who was inside a bar on Bourbon Street at the […]