Immigration Court Blocks Deportation of Tufts Graduate Student from Turkey

Rümeysa Öztürk's attorneys say the court found the Department of Homeland Security failed to prove she should be removed from the U.S.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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An immigration court has blocked the deportation of Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish Tufts University graduate student who was detained by immigration officials near her Massachusetts home last March. Öztürk's attorneys say the court found the Department of Homeland Security did not prove she should be removed from the U.S. and terminated her removal proceedings.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns over the Trump administration's targeting of foreign-born students and activists involved in pro-Palestinian advocacy. Öztürk's arrest while walking down the street and subsequent detention raised questions about First Amendment and due process rights.

The details

Öztürk, a PhD student studying children's relationship to social media, was arrested last March as the Trump administration began targeting foreign-born students and activists. Video showed masked agents handcuffing her and putting her into an unmarked vehicle. A federal judge previously said Öztürk raised serious concerns about her rights, and she has been out of a Louisiana immigrant detention center since May and back on the Tufts campus.

  • Öztürk was arrested in March 2026.
  • The immigration court made its decision on January 29, 2026.
  • Öztürk has been out of detention since May 2026.

The players

Rümeysa Öztürk

A Turkish Tufts University graduate student who was detained by immigration officials near her Massachusetts home.

Department of Homeland Security

The government agency that detained Öztürk and sought to deport her.

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What they’re saying

“Today, I breathe a sigh of relief knowing that despite the justice system's flaws, my case may give hope to those who have also been wronged by the U.S. government.”

— Rümeysa Öztürk (Statement released by her attorneys)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security has the option to appeal the immigration court's decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals.

The takeaway

This case highlights concerns over the targeting of foreign-born students and activists by the Trump administration, and the importance of protecting First Amendment and due process rights, even for non-citizens.