Federal Government Appeals Order to Transfer Rümeysa Öztürk to Vermont

Federal prosecutors are appealing a U.S. District Court judge's order requiring the transfer of Tufts University doctoral student Rümeysa Öztürk from an immigration detention center in Louisiana back to Vermont, where her habeas corpus petition is pending. Öztürk, a Turkish national, was arrested by undercover immigration officers after her student visa was revoked, following her co-authorship of a pro-Palestinian op-ed that criticized Israel and U.S. policy. The government alleges she supports Hamas, though no evidence has been presented, while her attorneys and the ACLU argue her detention and distant transfer raise significant constitutional concerns, particularly over freedom of expression and due process. Judge William K. Sessions III found he had jurisdiction over her case and ordered her return to Vermont, but federal officials are seeking a stay on this order as the appeal proceeds. The case highlights broader issues around the government's 'catch and revoke' strategy targeting international students involved in pro-Palestinian activism. Öztürk has experienced health issues in detention and has not been charged with any crime.