Title: Turkish Graduate Student Rümeysa Öztürk Released from Immigration Detention, Returns to Massachusetts
BOSTON, MA – Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts University student from Turkey, has been released from federal immigration detention following a federal judge’s ruling on Friday, May 9, 2025. Öztürk, who gained attention after co-authoring an op-ed criticizing her university’s response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, was detained while walking in a Boston suburb.
The 27-year-old doctoral student spent weeks at various detention facilities, including one in Basile, Louisiana, before U.S. District Court Judge William K. Sessions III ordered her release. The judge highlighted that the op-ed was the only basis the government provided for her arrest, showcasing concerns over the administration’s crackdown on dissenting voices, especially from students.
Upon her return to Massachusetts, Öztürk expressed gratitude and faith in the American justice system, stating, “America is the greatest democracy in the world.” She is eager to resume her studies in child development, which she had planned to complete later this year, and looks forward to teaching a summer course for high school students.
Despite her release, Öztürk faces ongoing deportation proceedings in federal immigration court, separate from her recent legal battles in Vermont. The case has become emblematic of the broader concerns regarding academic freedom and free speech within the context of U.S. immigration policy.
On her arrival at Boston Logan International Airport, Öztürk was met by supporters and political leaders. Her detention sparked widespread dialogue about the rights of international students and the implications of expressing political opinions in academic settings. As Öztürk prepares to return to her studies, her case continues to resonate as a significant moment for student activism and immigrant rights in America.
————————————————————————
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
————————————————————————
