Turkish Consulate in Boston shares update on Rumeysa Ozturk’s legal case

Türkiye’s Consul General in Boston, Halime Digdem Buner, shared new details about the ongoing legal processes involving Turkish doctoral student Rumeysa Ozturk, who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Louisiana on March 25.

“There are currently two separate legal proceedings concerning Rumeysa,” Buner stated. “The first is the immigration case in Louisiana. The second relates to her objection to the detention itself.”

Legal timeline and court decisions

According to Buner, the Turkish Consulate has been monitoring the case closely since the beginning, ensuring that Ozturk has access to legal counsel, medical treatment, communication with her family, and appropriate detention conditions.

Houston’s Consulate officials have visited Ozturk several times at the detention center in Louisiana, and the Boston Consulate has held online meetings with her.

The immigration court in Louisiana held a hearing on April 16, attended by Türkiye’s Houston Consulate. The judge denied Ozturk’s request for release on bail.

A separate ruling regarding whether the court has jurisdiction to review the legality of her visa cancellation will be made on May 1.

Objection transferred across jurisdictions

Buner explained that Ozturk’s objection to her detention was initially filed with a federal court in Massachusetts, where she was first taken into custody. However, because she was subsequently moved to Vermont, the case was transferred to the federal court there.

A hearing was held on April 14 in Vermont, and the judge issued a decision on April 18 stating that the court has jurisdiction to hear the case.

“The court has ordered that Rumeysa be transferred to Vermont by May 1. Her bail request will be evaluated on May 9, while her main appeal hearing is scheduled for May 22,” Buner added.

The court has given both parties four days to file appeals if they wish to contest the decision.

Timeline of legal proceedings

• March 25: Ozturk detained in Somerville, Massachusetts
• March 26: Transferred to Vermont, then flown to Louisiana
• April 4: A federal judge in Boston rules the case can proceed in Vermont
• April 14: Judge Sessions hears arguments on bond and transfer
• April 18: Sessions orders Ozturk’s transfer to Vermont by May 1
• May 9: Scheduled bail hearing
• May 22: Hearing on the merits of her detention case

Buner emphasized that the Turkish authorities will continue to closely follow both legal proceedings and provide all necessary consular assistance to Ozturk.