Tufts University doctoral student Rümeysa Öztürk on Saturday arrived in her home state of Massachusetts after she was snatched by masked federal agents near her home and spent six weeks in ICE detention as part of the Trump administration’s effort to deport noncitizens who have spoken out against the war in Gaza.
She landed at Boston Logan International Airport Saturday evening, a day after US District Judge William K. Sessions III ordered her immediate release.
“America is the greatest democracy in the world, and I believe in those values that we share. I have faith in the American system of justice,” Öztürk said Saturday at a news conference at the airport. “This has been very difficult time for me, for my community, for my community at Tufts, at Turkey, but I’m so grateful for all the support, kindness, and care.”
Öztürk said she will continue to pursue her case in court as she gets back to her studies and research work.
A chilling video of Öztürk’s March 25 arrest showed a swarm of officers encircling her near her Somerville, Massachusetts home as she shrieked in fear, sparking national outrage. Her detention more than 1,500 miles away from her home – part of a series of high-profile arrests of international students who participated in pro-Palestinian activism – has triggered widespread protests and raised concerns over due process and free speech on university campuses. More here
