Protests have erupted for Turkish student Rümeysa Öztürk, who was handcuffed and detained by Customs and Border Protection officials in the United States.

In the state of Massachusetts, hundreds of individuals rallied against the detention of Turkish doctoral student Rümeysa Öztürk at Tufts University by Customs and Border Protection (ICE) officials. Organized by the “Palestine Liberation Coalition,” a large crowd assembled at Powder House Park for the demonstration. Carrying signs that read “Free Rümeysa” and “We Stand with Rümeysa,” protesters demanded her immediate release.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also condemned Öztürk’s detention. In a statement, the Executive Director of the office, Tahirah Amutal Wadud, expressed deep concern over the actions taken by customs authorities.

UNIVERSITY NOT INFORMED

A written statement released by Tufts University revealed that the university administration was not notified of the detention process. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren remarked on social media that it is “another disturbing instance of hindering civil liberties.” The Turkish Embassy in Washington declared close monitoring of Öztürk’s situation and stated, “Every effort is being made to provide legal support.”

HANDS CUFFED BEHIND HER BACK Rümeysa Öztürk, a doctoral student in the US, was taken into custody by plainclothes ICE officers as she left her home in Massachusetts to attend a Ramadan evening meal on March 25th. During the arrest, which was captured on camera, ICE officers handcuffed her hands behind her back as she vocally protested. Öztürk’s lawyer Mahsa Khanbabai reported being unable to reach her and Tufts University confirmed that the university administration was not informed of the detention. Öztürk’s detention occurred during a period when the Trump administration was applying pressure on Palestinian supporters among students and academics. Previously, Palestinian activist Mahmud Halil, a recent graduate of Columbia University, had also been detained.