The arrest of a Tufts University student, Öztürk, has ignited widespread concern and protests within the community, as President Sunil Kumar expressed alarm about the implications for international students. He noted that the university had no warning about Öztürk's detainment, emphasizing the emotional toll on students and staff. Meanwhile, Senator Rubio claimed that such arrests are necessary to safeguard national security, labeling student activists as threats without evidence. This situation has led to fears of state-sanctioned actions targeting students, galvanizing protests demanding Öztürk's release and criticizing the government's tactics.
"We recognize how frightening and distressing this situation is for her, her loved ones, and the larger community here at Tufts, especially our international students, staff, and faculty who may be feeling vulnerable or unsettled by these events," Kumar wrote in a statement, describing the footage of Öztürk's arrest as "disturbing."
Hundreds of protesters demonstrated in Somerville on Wednesday demanding Öztürk's release and an end to what detractors have likened to state-sanctioned kidnapping.
Rubio pledged that more of these arrests would follow, saying student activists pose a threat to U.S. national security and, without providing evidence, accusing them of causing damage to university property.
"Every time I find one of these lunatics, I take away their visa," he said on Thursday. "We're looking every day for these lunatics that are tearing things up."
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