U.S. Representative Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA) has sharply criticized federal immigration authorities for detaining Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish student lawfully enrolled at Tufts University, calling the incident a “sickening reminder of Gestapo-like conduct from another age.” Ozturk was reportedly seized by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and transferred to a detention center 1,700 miles away without a hearing, prompting Lynch to demand answers and action.
In a public statement, Lynch condemned the agency’s handling of the case, emphasizing Ozturk’s legal status as an authorized international student. “Snatching a student off our streets and bundling her across the country without due process is unacceptable,” he said. The congressman has formally requested a full status report from ICE and called for Ozturk’s immediate return to Massachusetts.
The case has ignited broader concerns about the treatment of foreign students, a vital community in the Boston area. Lynch highlighted that approximately 80,000 international students attend over 60 colleges in Greater Boston, drawn by the region’s reputation as a hub of education and tolerance. “This incident undermines the values that make our institutions global destinations for learning,” he added.
Boston’s academic sector thrives on its image of inclusivity, making Ozturk’s detention a potential deterrent to future scholars. Lynch urged federal officials to resolve the matter swiftly, stressing the need to preserve trust in the U.S. as a welcoming center for intellectual and cultural exchange.
As scrutiny grows, advocates await ICE’s response and further details on Ozturk’s legal circumstances. The case underscores ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and the rights of lawfully present individuals, with implications for both policy and the nation’s standing in the global academic community.
Apparently Rumeysa Ozturk is writing an article that criticized Israel’s ongoing decimation of Gaza. In her article, the Turkish student expressed her support for Gaza.
