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Council calls for release of detained Tufts student, approves 'Know Your Rights' outreach and backs city action to inform residents
Summary
Medford City Council passed a resolution condemning the detention of Tufts doctoral student Rumesa (Ramesa) Ozturk and calling for her release, and separately approved a 'Know Your Rights' information campaign and distribution in multiple languages; both measures passed unanimously.
The council unanimously approved a resolution calling for the immediate release of Rumesa (Ramesa) Ozturk, a Tufts doctoral student taken into custody by federal authorities, and urged government partners to oppose what sponsors described as an unlawful detention.
Councilor Lazaro (sponsor) read statements received from Tufts University, including a declaration from Tufts President Sunil Kumar describing the university’s outreach and confirming that Tufts considered Ms. Ozturk a third‑year doctoral student in good academic standing. Lazaro said the resolution condemned the detention as a violation of due process and called on the university and elected officials to seek her release and to protect students’ rights.
The council also unanimously approved a separate resolution directing the city to create and distribute 'Know Your Rights' informational materials in English, Arabic, Creole, Spanish, Portuguese and Chinese and to make the content available through city channels and community centers. Vice President Collins moved the Know Your Rights resolution and noted the materials should include basic legal rights if ICE or federal agents approach an individual, instructions about warrants, and translations for non‑English speakers. The council accepted an amendment to include support for the city’s DEI director and to coordinate outreach through resident services and the Human Rights Commission work now underway.
Public comment was extensive: residents, lawyers and community groups urged action, stressed the need for outreach, and urged additional municipal steps to warn residents about federal enforcement activity. Councilors said the city should explore options to notify communities if ICE activity is known locally and direct residents to legal resources.
Votes: the resolution calling for release of Ms. Ozturk passed 7‑0; the Know Your Rights informational resolution also passed 7‑0 with an amendment to include DEI support and coordination with the resident services team.
