Judge moves Tufts student Rumeysa Öztürk's case to Vermont

A federal judge has ordered the case of Rumeysa Öztürk, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to be transferred from Massachusetts to Vermont. Judge Denise Casper ruled that Vermont was the appropriate jurisdiction as Öztürk was held there when her habeas corpus petition was filed. The government had sought to dismiss the case or move it to Louisiana, but Casper denied both requests, citing the 'interest of justice' and concerns over the circumstances of Öztürk's arrest. Her attorneys argue that she was unlawfully detained in retaliation for her political views, particularly her advocacy for Palestinian rights. The ruling prevents her deportation until the Vermont court decides on its jurisdiction over the case. Öztürk's situation has drawn attention from lawmakers, emphasizing the need for due process for international students targeted under immigration policies.