Court Orders Release of Tufts Student Rmeysa ztrk

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 8:58 pm

Tufts Student Rmeysa Ztrk Freed After Visa Revocation: Judge Cites First Amendment Concerns

A federal judge has ordered the release of Tufts University student Rmeysa Ztrk, who was held in federal immigration custody for over six weeks after the Trump administration revoked her visa. Judge William Sessions, a Clinton appointee, ruled on Friday that Ztrk presented substantial First Amendment and due process claims, citing the government's lack of justification for her detention. The judge emphasized that Ztrk had not engaged in violence or advocated for it, and had no criminal record.

The government's primary argument for detention centered on a student newspaper op-ed Ztrk co-authored criticizing Tufts' response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The judge found this insufficient to warrant her continued detention. Ztrk, a Turkish national, testified about her deteriorating health while in custody, including experiencing numerous asthma attacks and alleged mistreatment by medical staff, including the forced removal of her hijab.

The ruling comes amid a broader crackdown by the Trump administration on international students expressing pro-Palestinian views. The judge ordered Ztrk to submit to monthly check-ins but placed no travel restrictions on her, deeming her not a flight risk or a danger to the community. This decision follows a similar ruling in the case of another student, Mohsen Mahdawi, who was also released from immigration custody. The judge's order requires the government to release Ztrk entirely until a final ruling on the constitutionality of her detention is made.

BNN's Perspective: This case highlights the complex intersection of free speech, immigration policy, and political activism. While the judge's decision to release Ztrk is a victory for due process, it also underscores the potential for political motivations to influence immigration decisions. The administration's actions raise concerns about the chilling effect on free speech, particularly for international students.

Keywords: Rmeysa Ztrk, Tufts University, visa revocation, immigration custody, First Amendment, due process, Judge William Sessions, Trump administration, pro-Palestinian, student activism, asthma, detention, release, free speech, immigration policy.

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