Fact Check: "In late May, a federal judge in Vermont ordered her release from immigration custody citing concerns about the legal basis for her visa revocation and extended detention."
What We Know
In late May 2025, U.S. District Court Judge William K. Sessions III ordered the release of Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish graduate student who had been in federal immigration custody for approximately six weeks. The judge's ruling followed a three-hour hearing where Öztürk participated remotely from a detention center in Louisiana. The judge expressed concerns regarding the legal basis for her visa revocation, stating that the government had not provided sufficient evidence beyond her political opinions expressed in an op-ed to justify her detention (VTDigger). Sessions highlighted that Öztürk's detention could infringe upon her First Amendment rights and noted the adverse effects on her health due to her worsening asthma condition while in custody (VTDigger).
Analysis
The evidence presented during the hearing indicated that Öztürk's detention was not only a potential violation of her rights but also detrimental to her health. Judge Sessions remarked on the lack of substantial evidence from the government to justify her arrest, which had been primarily based on her political speech regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict (VTDigger). This aligns with broader concerns about the chilling effect on free speech for non-citizens in the U.S.
The sources used in this fact-check are credible, particularly VTDigger, which is known for its thorough reporting on local issues, including immigration and legal matters. The judge's statements were reported directly from the court proceedings, ensuring accuracy in the representation of his concerns (VTDigger). Other sources, such as NBC News and CBS News, corroborate the timeline and details of the case, further establishing the reliability of the information (NBC News, CBS News).
Conclusion
The claim that a federal judge in Vermont ordered Rümeysa Öztürk's release from immigration custody due to concerns about the legal basis for her visa revocation and extended detention is True. The evidence presented during the court proceedings, as well as the judge's remarks regarding the implications for free speech and Öztürk's health, support this conclusion.
