A federal judge in Vermont has ordered the release of RUMEYSA OZTURK, a Tufts University student detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). JUDGE WILLIAM K. SESSIONS III, appointed by former President BARACK OBAMA, granted OZTURK‘s bail request on Friday, emphasizing that her arrest raised significant concerns regarding due process and First Amendment rights.
OZTURK, who is in the U.S. on a student visa, was ordered to be released immediately. The judge determined she posed no threat to the community or risk of flight. JUDGE SESSIONS also stated that he would impose minimal restrictions on OZTURK if ICE requested them.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which represented OZTURK, expressed satisfaction with the ruling. NOOR ZAFAR, a senior staff attorney with the ACLU, said, “Today’s decision underscores a vital First Amendment principle: no one should be imprisoned for expressing their beliefs.”
During the hearing, JUDGE SESSIONS noted that OZTURK has asthma and that her detention may have adversely affected her health. OZTURK experienced an asthma attack during the virtual hearing. The judge also highlighted that detaining OZTURK could have a chilling effect on the free speech of non-citizens in the U.S.
Tufts University has publicly supported OZTURK, calling for her immediate release. The university stated, “We stand with our student and urge her swift return to our community.”
In a separate case, a federal appeals court ruled that MOHSEN MAHDAWI, a Columbia University student, could remain out of federal custody while his legal challenge proceeds. This decision followed efforts by the Trump administration to return MAHDAWI to federal custody.
OZTURK was detained by ICE on March 26 after federal officials accused her of supporting Hamas. She co-authored an article in the Tufts student newspaper advocating for the university to divest from Israel and criticizing its response to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
JUDGE SESSIONS allowed OZTURK to return to her Massachusetts home without imposing travel restrictions.
Source: [Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com), [CBS News](https://www.cbsnews.com)