For Immediate Release
March, 28, 2025
MIRA Coalition Condemns Arrest of Tufts University PhD Student by Immigration Authorities
Boston, MA – In response to the arrest of Turkish national Rumeysa Ozturk earlier this week in Somerville, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, issued the following statement:
“Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish student legally residing in Massachusetts, being swarmed by ICE agents on the street and arrested is another example of the Trump administration’s attack on immigrants, as well as First Amendment rights. Ozturk, and all immigrants living in this country, have the right to free speech. The Trump administration’s actions here undermine due process and our constitutional protections. We join immigrants and allies across the nation in calling for the immediate release of Ozturk and all unlawfully detained immigrants. We urge all to join us in this effort.”
Media Contact: Ellen Fleming | EFleming@Melwoodglobal.com