Lawmakers Demand Release of Rümeysa Öztürk and Mahmoud Khalil from ICE Custody

U.S. Senator Ed Markey has condemned the detention of Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish Fulbright scholar and PhD student at Tufts University, calling it a “national disgrace” and a violation of constitutional and human rights. Speaking at Boston’s Logan Airport, Markey said the U.S. government has no criminal charges or evidence that Öztürk poses any threat.

Öztürk was detained on March 25 outside her Somerville, Massachusetts apartment by masked ICE agents. Her arrest sparked bipartisan concern, prompting a congressional delegation including Markey, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, and Rep. Jim McGovern to visit her and Palestinian-American detainee Mahmoud Khalil at ICE detention centers in Louisiana.

“She told us she was afraid…They were rough with her,” said Markey, describing Öztürk’s ordeal as “authoritarianism, not immigration enforcement.”

Arrests Linked to Protests, But No Charges Filed

Mahmoud Khalil, a legal U.S. resident and pro-Palestinian activist, was arrested in connection with demonstrations at Columbia University. Despite no criminal charges, he was denied temporary release to witness the birth of his first child. Pressley emphasized that Khalil was exercising his right to free speech, not committing a crime.

“This is cruel, it is unjust, and it is unacceptable,” said Pressley.
“We will never stop fighting for Rümeysa, Mahmoud, and everyone harmed by this cruel and callous White House.”

Öztürk and Khalil are reportedly being held in “harrowing conditions”, with both facing severe emotional and physical distress. Their lawyers claim the detentions violate U.S. constitutional protections and international human rights law.

Trump Administration Cites Rare Immigration Law Clause

The Trump administration has defended the detentions under a rarely used section of immigration law, which allows deportation of individuals deemed to pose “potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences.” Civil rights advocates argue this clause is being weaponized to silence dissent.

Rep. McGovern called the detentions “immoral and wrong,” saying the administration is treating students as political prisoners.

“Freedom of speech and the right to due process are not suggestions in our country,” Markey stressed.

Legal Challenges Underway

Both detainees are challenging their imprisonment in court. Öztürk’s legal team argues that her writings, cited in the government’s case, are constitutionally protected speech. The case has sparked international concern and may test the boundaries of immigration law, free speech, and academic freedom in the U.S.

As bipartisan pressure mounts, the situation continues to draw headlines and human rights attention, with lawmakers promising to continue their advocacy.

“We won’t stop fighting until they’re released,” said McGovern.