Federal Judge Blocks Deportation of Pro-Palestinian Doctoral Student

A federal judge in Massachusetts temporarily blocked the deportation of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish doctoral student accused by U.S. officials of supporting Hamas. Her detention is contested by her legal team, citing violations of free speech. The case highlights tensions alongside President Trump's deportation policy.

A federal judge in Massachusetts has temporarily halted the deportation of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University. Ozturk, who spoke out in support of Palestinians, was detained by immigration officials earlier this week.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security accused Ozturk of supporting Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. without providing evidence. Her arrest follows her public criticism of the university's ties to Israel in a student newspaper piece.

The American Civil Liberties Union has now joined her legal defense, asserting her detention infringes on her free speech and due process rights. U.S. District Judge Denise Casper in Boston has temporarily blocked her deportation, pending jurisdictional resolution.

(With inputs from agencies.)