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Answers to Community Questions

Last updated April 11, 2025

Tufts University continues to evaluate the impacts of executive actions taken by the Trump administration since January 20, 2025, This page shares real-time information about the impact of recent federal actions on our teaching and research mission and on members of the Tufts community. It also provides updates about the university’s response. As additional information is available, we will continue to share it here as quickly and thoroughly as we are able. If you are a Tufts community member and have a question that is not addressed here, please share it with us using this form.

Detention of Rümeysa Öztürk

What happened?
On Tuesday, March 25, Rümeysa Öztürk, a fifth-year Ph.D. student in the School of Arts and Sciences Department of Child Study and Human Development, was taken into custody by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) outside an off-campus apartment building in Somerville, Massachusetts.

Did Tufts know this was going to happen?
No. The university had no pre-knowledge of this incident and did not share any information with federal authorities prior to the event, and the off-campus location in Somerville where this took place is not affiliated with Tufts University.

Was Rümeysa Öztürk on-campus when DHS arrested her?
No. Rümeysa was on her way to an Iftar gathering with friends at the Interfaith Center when she was detained but her arrest occurred outside an off-campus apartment building in Somerville, Massachusetts. As noted by the Massachusetts Attorney General in her statement on March 26, the footage of her arrest captured by neighbors was disturbing.

Where is Rümeysa Öztürk now?
Although the Federal Court in Boston ordered that DHS should not remove her from Massachusetts without providing the Court with advance notice, we have learned and verified that she is now being held in Louisiana. Her immigration counsel has filed a habeas petition on her behalf.

Why did a Vermont federal judge deny Rümeysa’s request to be released from custody?
During a scheduling conference on Monday, April 7, Vermont District Court Judge William K. Sessions III said he could not consider Rümeysa’s request to be released on bail until he rules on whether the court has jurisdiction over a petition challenging the legality of her detention. Court records show that Judge Sessions has set Rümeysa’s next hearing for April 14. (Updated 4/9/25)

What has Tufts been doing to help Rümeysa Öztürk?
We are in touch with her parents and legal team.. Following university protocol, the Office of University Counsel was ready to connect her, if desired, with external legal resources with relevant expertise. Our leaders remain in ongoing contact with local, state, and federal officials with the hope that Rümeysa will be afforded her due process rights. Our immigration counsel continues to be in touch with hers, and on April 2, 2025, Tufts University submitted this declaration in support of a motion filed by her legal team in Öztürk v. Hyde in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts. On April 4, the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts granted that motion and ordered her case be transferred to the U.S. District Court in Vermont, and not the Western District of Louisiana.

We will continue to follow this matter closely and work to gather additional information.

Visa Revocations

The media is reporting that the State Department has revoked visas of more international students without notice to universities. What information does Tufts have about this?
The Department of State and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently began an enhanced effort to terminate the legal status and revoke the visas of international students they have identified as allegedly having criminal records or as being a threat to national security.

What is visa revocation?
Visa revocation refers to the cancellation of the visa in a passport used to request entry to the U.S. in a particular status. Historically, this simply meant that an individual with a revoked visa would need to re-apply for a visa if they chose to travel and re-enter the country.

Under the new administration, students’ F-1 status in the U.S. (as reflected in SEVIS—the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is also being terminated in connection with the visa revocation. SEVIS record termination implies that an F-1 or J-1 student or scholar loses legal status to remain in the United States which, as reported by the media, has resulted in students leaving the country or requiring legal assistance to protect themselves from enforcement actions.

Are any Tufts students impacted?
Since Rümeysa Öztürk was taken into DHS custody on Tuesday, March 25, and as of April 11th, a total of 2 enrolled F-1 international students and 7 post-completion OPT (Optional Practical Training) participants at Tufts have had their SEVIS records/F-1 status terminated. The International Center has been in contact with all impacted students and alumni to provide support and resources. (Last updated April 11, 2025) 

How will students or scholars be informed of visa revocation or SEVIS termination?
A visa revocation should be communicated to the visa holder via an email or letter from the consular post/Department of State. Students, scholars, and employee visa-holders should make sure they are checking their email, particularly the account used for the DS-160 or visa process, for any consular notifications and notify the International Center immediately to verify legitimacy.

In addition, the International Center is regularly monitoring SEVIS records multiple times per day for new F-1 or J-1 terminations. Please note that all individuals who have been impacted to this date have already been informed and connected to resources. If we see continued SEVIS terminations, we will notify impacted individuals as soon as possible to ensure that they, too, are connected to resources and, if necessary, external immigration counsel.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned visa revocations for South Sudanese visa-holders this weekend. Does this impact Tufts students, scholars, and employees?
The U.S. Department of State issued a press release on Saturday, April 5. We are continuing to monitor for further information to learn whether this action will impact our international community and whether it will also be combined with SEVIS record termination. We have been in touch with Tufts-sponsored visa holders from South Sudan and will continue to provide support and updates.

Immigration Resources

​Who can help me with immigration questions at Tufts?
The International Center focuses on the following areas of support:

    • Immigration and visa document services that help Tufts-sponsored  international students, scholars, employees and their dependents to acquire and maintain valid US immigration status, and obtain any benefits for which they are eligible;
    • Programs aimed at providing international students, scholars, and employees and their dependents with successful arrival, orientation, and ongoing campus experiences and support;
    • Individual advising and mentoring that help to identify options and resources that meet individuals’ immigration, academic, personal, and other needs; and
    • Campus advocacy directed at reinforcing and strengthening Tufts’ historical commitment to international engagement, global awareness, inclusion, and cross-cultural understanding.

And in addition to what the I-Center provides directly, they also continue to actively share resources from teams like the University Chaplaincy, Counseling and Mental Health Services, and Student Support with those they serve. You can read more about the I-Center and everything it is doing to support students on Tufts Now.

Where can I find more written answers to immigration questions?
See this Immigration FAQ.

Campus Safety FAQ

​How is Tufts addressing the safety of our community?
The university is actively working to support our students, staff, and faculty as we mobilize our collective resources and contacts in service of our safety and wellbeing. Please review the following questions and answers for more information about some of the resources and protocols available to protect you.

Does Tufts allow immigration enforcement officers into campus buildings?
The university follows guidance provided by the Massachusetts Attorney General to institutions of higher education (the “Guidance”) which states that schools should develop a protocol that asks immigration officials to provide a copy of any judicial warrant or court order. The Guidance states that “[w]ithout a court order or warrant signed by a judge, immigration officers cannot compel [a school] or their officer[s] to comply with their requests.”  See Attorney General Guidance, Section IIA(ii).

The Guidance also states that schools “must ensure that their campus police policies and practices are consistent with the Supreme Judicial Court decision in Lunn v. Commonwealth, which held that law enforcement officers may not hold an individual ‘solely on the basis of a Federal civil immigration detainer.’”

The university follows the Guidance pursuant to its protocol for responding to government inquiries and requests for information.

What spaces on campus are inaccessible to federal authorities such as ICE and DHS without a judicial warrant?
Tufts is a private university on private property. While some parts of our campus grounds are open to the public, the following areas are considered private spaces: residence halls, classrooms, labs, offices, dining centers, kitchens, libraries and clinics.

Additionally, some streets on the Medford/Somerville campus are open to the public, while others are private property. Access to Tufts-owned streets requires a judicial warrant. These streets include: Capen St. E, North Hill Rd., Sawyer Ave., Talbot Ave., Lower Campus Rd., Latin Way, part of Wellesley St., part of 4 Colby St., part of Packard Ave., and part of Edison.

If you become aware that a government official is requesting access to a private space, please contact Public Safety at 617-627-3030, so that the university can enact its protocols for responding to government inquiries and determine whether the official has a warrant permitting lawful access to the space.

What is the protocol for engaging with DHS, ICE, or other immigration officials on or near campus?
If you encounter DHS, ICE, or other immigration officials on campus or near campus, you are advised to call TUPD dispatch at 617-627-3030.

Tufts has an established protocol for responding to any government officials who arrive on campus for an unannounced site visit; this protocol also applies to members of our community who encounter officials off campus. 

To activate our protocol, please call the Tufts University Police Department at 617-627-3030 and inform the dispatcher, who will notify the appropriate university officials, including the Office of University Counsel, the International Center, and other relevant offices at the university. This line is staffed 24/7 and you will get an immediate response from a trained member of the Public Safety team. To the extent possible, and depending on the specifics of each situation, the university will provide relevant guidance, including possibly connecting individuals to external legal and immigration expertise and resources as needed.

What are my rights if I’m approached by immigration officials?
The following resources are being shared for informational purposes only and are publicly available to all students through external immigration law and advocacy groups. This document is not legal advice and should not be used as legal advice. Students with specific questions about their individual immigration status should consult with a personal attorney and may direct questions for Tufts officials through the International Center.

How should I respond to other campus visits and information requests by government officials?
Follow University Counsel’s Government Request Protocols and Government Inquiries guidance.

What options and support exist for international students, faculty, and staff who are afraid to attend classes or work?
Community members should reach out to the following university resources:

    • International students and/or students with a tenuous visa status who are requesting flexibility in attending in-person classes should contact their academic deans. Students who are seeking religious accommodations should contact OEO.
    • International faculty or staff who are in the U.S. teaching or working on a visa should check the requirements of their visa, since many of them require that the individual is teaching or working in person. If you have specific questions about your visa, please contact the International Center or visit their  website for more information.
    • Faculty or staff members who need to request an accommodation for a religious or disability-related reason, please contact OEO. Learn more about accommodations.
    • If you are concerned for your safety on campus or have been receiving threatening messages, please contact TUPD at 617-627-3030. TUPD offers services, including safe rides and escorts, to keep the Tufts community safe on our campuses.

Data Privacy, Social Media, and Online Safety FAQ

Has the university kept records of students who participated in the protests last year, and would the university share those records with the government?
The university has a FERPA policy that protects the confidentiality of students’ educational records (including disciplinary records) and prohibits Tufts from releasing such records to third parties without the students’ permission.

If the university received a request for student records, it would follow its usual protocol for responding to government inquiries, subpoenas and other legal process. This protocol involves consultation with the Office of University Counsel.

Does Tufts keep track of students who have DACA or undocumented status?
Tufts University does not actively track DACA or undocumented status for students and would not release such information under the Tufts University FERPA policy. Support resources for students with DACA or undocumented status can be accessed through the FIRST Center.

How can I manage my digital and social media footprint to protect myself from doxxing?
Explore related guidance here.

How Can I Help?

How can I help Tufts support Rümeysa and other international students?
While the university cannot legally act as a facilitator or intermediary for monetary donations to Rümeysa or her legal counsel, Tufts continues to support her and others in the ways it is able, including by submitting the University Declaration for Rümeysa Öztürk and as described in this Tufts Now story related to Tufts’ efforts to support our international community members.

How can I help Tufts protect our employees and their research?
Tufts Now routinely tells stories about the positive impact of the university’s research and scholarship, and we encourage community members to share and amplify this content.

What do I need to keep in mind when I share Tufts content on social media?
See the university’s social media policies for information pertaining to all employees as well as guidance for employees who post on behalf of a university school, department, division, or center.

What should I do if I’m concerned about a student?
Each school at Tufts has its own student support teams and services. Please refer your concerns to the appropriate student support team:

What additional support is available for students and employees?
Community members can access the following resources.

    • All Tufts Community Members: The University Chaplaincy welcomes all members of the Tufts community, regardless of denomination or belief, to access its support and resources.
    • All Employees: Tufts University’s Employee Assistance Program, KGA, is available to employees and their adult household members age 18+. You have 24/7 access to counselors for emotional support, professional guidance, practical solutions and information about coping with stressors. These services are confidential and free.
    • Faculty: Schedule an appointment with the Vice Provost for Faculty to ask questions, provide insight, or raise concerns about anything that is important to you.

What support is there for me as a teacher or mentor to students right now?
The Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT) offers many timely resources and programs for those who teach and mentor Tufts students.

How can I foster inclusion, belonging, and dialogue in the Tufts community?
Schedule an Institutional Inclusive Excellence (IIE) consultation or attend an upcoming training, workshop, or event.

What Should I Do if a Reporter Contacts Me?

We encourage community members who are contacted by reporters to contact Media Relations for support and advice.

We are aware that news reporters have sought comments from community members on campus and via email seeking comments about various federal actions, including the detention of Rumeysa Öztürk.

The university embraces freedom of expression and recognizes the right of the media to engage in news gathering as well as community members’ right to participate. But we also want to advise you to assess media opportunities with great care and to exercise all due caution, even if offered anonymity, which is not always foolproof. While it is completely your choice whether to engage with a member of the media, it is important to remember that these interactions can come with risks.

You should be aware that once you are interviewed and a story is posted, published or aired, a digital footprint is created that is lasting. Also, some participants in media interviews have reported subsequent unwelcome attention and, in the extreme, doxxing. Please remember that if a reporter is pressing you to speak, you are never obligated to do so for any reason.