The Massachusetts chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MA), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the abduction of Tufts graduate student Rumeysa Ozturk by federal immigration authorities.
Video provided by neighbors appears to show Ozturk being seized by federal agents after leaving her home, handcuffed, and driven away to an unknown location.
SEE: Federal Immigration Authorities Detain Tufts Graduate Student
Ozturk, a Turkish national, is a PhD student and doctoral research assistant at Tufts’ Children’s Television Project and completed a master’s degree at Columbia University as a Fulbright Scholar. It is unclear why her visa may have been revoked, but she was one of several authors of a 2024 opinion essay published in the Tufts student newspaper criticizing university leaders for their response to the Gaza genocide and urging divestment from companies with ties to Israel.
CAIR-MA Executive Director Tahirah Amatul-Wadud, Esq., said:
“We unequivocally condemn the abduction of a young Muslim hijab-wearing scholar by masked federal agents in broad daylight. This alarming act of repression is a direct assault on free speech and academic freedom. Massachusetts residents must recognize the dangerous precedent being set—the federal government is resorting to draconian tactics to silence those who speak out against our nation’s complicity in Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people. We demand Rumeysa Ozturk’s immediate and safe release and full transparency regarding her detention.”
Earlier this month, CAIR’s New York chapter (CAIR-NY), CAIR’s national office and the law firm of Dratel & Lewis announced the filing of a federal lawsuit on behalf of Columbia University students against Columbia University and the Committee on Education and Workforce, U.S. House of Representatives regarding the Congressional request to disclose thousands of student records.
Yesterday, the California chapter of CAIR, along with the California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC), and more than 120 organizations representing community organizers, labor unions, social and legal service providers, faith leaders, and immigration and civil rights organizations, announced a joint letter to more than 50 California legislators urging them to take action regarding the unjust arrests of Columbia anti-genocide activists Mahmoud Khalil and Yunseo Chung.
CAIR-MA’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote social justice and mutual understanding. For more information on how you can support CAIR-MA’s efforts, visit https://www.cairma.org/.
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CONTACT: Tahirah Amatul-Wadud, Esq., Executive Director of CAIR-MA, tamatul-wadud@cair.com, 617-862-9159