Council backs resolution calling for release of Tufts student detained by ICE and approves 'Know Your Rights' materials for residents

The Medford City Council on April 8 approved a resolution calling for the release of Tufts doctoral student Rumaysa (Ramesa) Ozturk, who was detained by federal immigration authorities; the council also adopted a separate resolution directing the city to prepare and distribute "Know Your Rights" informational materials in multiple languages.

The resolution supporting Ozturk, introduced by Councilor Lozaro and co‑sponsored by the council president, condemned what sponsors described as an unlawful detention carried out in a manner that raised due‑process concerns. Councilors read statements from Tufts University describing the university’s interactions on Ozturk’s behalf; the council heard from residents and Tufts affiliates urging swift action and public statements. Councilors emphasized consulting Tufts and the student’s attorneys while calling on federal, state and local partners to speak out publicly. The council voted to adopt the resolution; public comment during the item included both residents and students who urged vocal local leadership.

Immediately after that debate the council approved a related, practical measure requesting the mayor’s office create and distribute "Know Your Rights" materials for residents — short, plain‑language materials the council directed be translated into English, Arabic, Haitian Creole, Spanish, Portuguese and Chinese and distributed through city channels (city website, community centers, schools, senior center, police and library). Council Vice President Collins and Councilor Tsang urged that the pamphlets cover basic rights when approached by immigration enforcement, including the right to remain silent, the right to see a warrant, the right to refuse entry into a private home absent a judicial warrant, and how to request an attorney. The council also asked staff to coordinate translations and outreach through community liaisons. The motion passed unanimously.

Why this matters: residents and students told the council they fear increasingly aggressive immigration enforcement and want clearer, city‑level guidance on rights and safety; the council’s actions combined a public statement of concern about an individual case with a practical step to inform residents of their rights.

Next steps: the council directed the mayor’s office and relevant departments to prepare Know Your Rights materials in the specified languages and to use city communication channels and community partners for broad distribution. The resolution on Ozturk was passed as a statement to federal and state partners and requested updates from Tufts and the university’s contacts.