A State Department memo found no evidence linking Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk to antisemitism or support for Hamas, despite claims by the Trump administration. This contradicts the government's justification for her deportation.
Ozturk's deportation stemmed from co-authoring an op-ed criticizing Tufts University's response to the Israel-Gaza conflict. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alleged her actions supported Hamas, but provided no evidence.
The State Department's investigation found insufficient grounds to revoke Ozturk's visa under the initial authority used by DHS, which requires evidence. However, the visa was revoked under a different authority, allowing for revocation at the Secretary of State's discretion, bypassing the evidence requirement.
Ozturk's arrest sparked widespread debate about freedom of speech. Even pro-Israel groups at Tufts criticized the government's actions. Legal analysts highlighted the difference between the two authorities used for the visa revocation, emphasizing the lack of justification requirement under the authority ultimately employed.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while acknowledging the lack of evidence in the memo, maintains that Ozturk's actions extend beyond writing the op-ed. He alleges involvement in broader movements involving vandalism and harassment.
Ozturk describes a traumatic arrest, detailing her apprehension by plain-clothed agents and feeling threatened during the process.