Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University, arrived at Boston Logan International Airport on Saturday after over six weeks in a Louisiana immigration detention center.
Her detention followed the publication of an opinion piece she co-authored in The Tufts Daily, criticizing the university’s response to Israel’s war on Gaza and calling for acknowledgment of a Palestinian genocide.
“In the last 45 days, I lost both my freedom and also my education during a crucial time for my doctoral studies,” Öztürk told reporters. “But I am so grateful for all the support, kindness and care.”
She expressed excitement to resume her research on children and social media.
On Friday, US District Judge William Sessions in Vermont ordered Öztürk’s release on her own recognizance, finding she posed no flight risk or public danger.
He noted her claims of unlawful detention raised serious constitutional questions, including violations of free speech and due process.
“I have faith in the American system of justice,” Öztürk said, vowing to pursue her case.
Her arrest on March 25 in Somerville, Massachusetts, involved masked officers and a revoked student visa, which her lawyers say she was not informed of.
Öztürk was transferred to a detention facility in Basile, Louisiana, and denied legal counsel for over 24 hours. Videos of her arrest went viral, sparking concern on US campuses.
Öztürk’s release was celebrated by supporters, including Senator Edward Markey and Representative Ayanna Pressley.
“Today is a tremendous day as we welcome you back, Rumeysa,” Markey said. “You have made millions and millions of people across our country so proud of the way you have fought.”
Pressley described Öztürk’s detention conditions as “squalid, inhumane,” citing denied medical care for severe asthma attacks.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson claimed, without evidence, that Öztürk supported Hamas, which has been designated a “terrorist” group by the United States.
Her lawyers at the American Civil Liberties Union argue her detention was designed to punish protected speech.
Öztürk’s legal proceedings continue in Vermont, with separate immigration hearings in Louisiana, where she may participate remotely.