On Tuesday, congressional delegations journeyed to Louisiana to advocate for the release of Lumeisa Ozturk, a doctoral student from Tufts University, and Mahmoud Khalil, a 2024 graduate of Columbia University, to review their situations in separate detention centers.
This marked the inaugural visit of a delegation to meet with either detainee. The visit was the first time reported by CNN.
Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) shared on x that he called for the release of one of his constituents, Ozturk, from Louisiana.
Markey was accompanied by fellow Democrats Troy Carter (La.), Benny Thompson (Miss), Ayana Presley, and Jim McGovern (Massachusetts).
Ozturk’s detention raised significant alarm after immigration officers apprehended her on March 25th, placing her in an unmarked vehicle. She was transported from Massachusetts to New Hampshire, then to Vermont, and ultimately to Louisiana.
Her student visa has lapsed, and her attorneys assert that her due process rights have been breached. Recently, a federal judge mandated Ozturk’s return to the detention facility in Vermont.
Markey stated that the delegation conferred with Khalil, a new father who was unable to attend his child’s birth due to immigration officials denying him access, declaring that “this betrayal and injustice should have never occurred.”
Green card holder Khalil has been in custody for over a month. He was targeted last year for spearheading a pro-Palestinian camp and protest at Columbia University.
“We have a moral duty to unequivocally support Mahmoud Khalil, as well as to acknowledge the many others who suffer under this administration,” Markey stated online.
In a comment to CNN, Presley remarked that neither Khalil nor Ozturk has committed any crimes, arguing that President Trump is holding them accountable.
“Both are illegally held in ICE facilities far from their homes, stripped of dignity, medical care, and the legitimate process they deserve,” Presley expressed. “We are in Louisiana demanding answers, highlighting the severe violations of their constitutional rights, and calling for their immediate release.”
Presley stated that the lawmakers were in Louisiana seeking answers from the Trump administration regarding the two detentions. She emphasized her intention to assess the conditions of the detention facilities, which have a notorious reputation.
“We cannot delay while the Trump administration infringes on free speech and unlawfully detains those lacking proper procedures,” she added.
McGovern echoed that he was present to advocate for the two detainees who have asserted their First Amendment rights.
“Let there be no misunderstanding. They are political prisoners being held for their statements, not for their actions. We traveled to Louisiana to hear their narratives and demand their release,” McGovern remarked.
The Democrats’ visit to Louisiana follows another group’s trip to El Salvador, where several House Democrats visited earlier this week to call for the release of Maryland resident Kilmer Abrego Garcia.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) initiated the movement to oppose the Trump administration’s deportation efforts when he first met with Abrego Garcia and Salvadoran officials.
