A Turkish doctoral student’s deportation decision was blocked by the US judiciary. Judge Denise Casper of the Massachusetts District Court in Boston issued a stay order against the deportation of Rumeysa Ozturk, who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. The judge ruled to halt the decision until the court case is concluded. The government was asked to provide the necessary defense by the end of April 1. CRITICISM FROM CONGRESS MEMBERS Several American politicians have criticized the detention of Rumeysa Ozturk. About 30 members of Congress, including US senators and House members, wrote a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, calling for Ozturk’s release. The congress members demanded Ozturk’s release, stating, “The administration cannot detain or deport legal residents for expressing their political views.” The American Civil Liberties Union also requested Ozturk’s release. ARRESTED ON THE WAY TO IFTAR Rumeysa Ozturk was detained by immigration officers as she left her home in Massachusetts to go to iftar on the evening of March 25. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Ozturk of attempting to foment rebellion at the university.