BOSTON — A Tufts University student who was held in a Louisiana immigration detention center for more than six weeks returned to Boston on Saturday after a federal judge ordered her release pending a final decision on her claim that she was illegally detained.
Background
Rumeysa Ozturk, 22, arrived at Logan Airport with two Massachusetts Democratic members of Congress, Sen. Edward Markey and Rep. Ayanna Pressley, who were there to welcome her back home. Ozturk has been fighting for justice through the courts since she was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in February while visiting family in New Orleans.
- Ozturk has lived in the United States since 2013, when she moved here with her parents as refugees from Turkey.
- Her father is Turkish, and her mother is Kurdish.
- The U.S.-Turkey relationship has become increasingly strained over the past few years due to disagreements over Syria policy and other issues.
Ozturk’s Statement
"I have faith in the American system of justice," Ozturk said as she hugged Pressley at Logan Airport on Saturday afternoon.
Congressional Support
Markey praised Ozturk as "a beacon of hope" during his remarks at Logan Airport. "Today is a tremendous day as we welcome you back," he said.
Pressley expressed gratitude towards those who supported Ozturk throughout this ordeal:
"We stand together against injustice because we believe everyone deserves dignity regardless of their background or identity."
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren also commented on Ozturk’s release, stating:
“Today marks another step forward toward justice for Rumeysa Ozturk.”
Warren expressed concern over prolonged detention without explanation or charge but welcomed the news of Ozturk’s release:
“While I remain deeply troubled by Ms. Ozturk’s prolonged detention without explanation or charge – let alone access to medical care – I am relieved that she has finally been freed.”
Warren urged President Biden to take immediate action regarding visa status and charges against Ozturk:
“President Biden must act immediately. He should revoke any revocation orders related to Ms. Ozturk’s visa status immediately; drop all charges against Ms. Ozturk; and provide compensation for her unlawful detentions.”
Legal Proceedings
A lawyer representing ICE argued that releasing Ozturk would pose an unreasonable risk if she were allowed out pending trial, suggesting she could potentially flee. However, Judge Michael North ruled that there wasn’t enough evidence presented during hearings last week to justify keeping her locked up while awaiting trial.
In response, ICE officials stated they would continue pursuing deportation proceedings against Ozturk despite the ruling allowing her temporary freedom until further notice:
“Ms. Ozturk remains subject to removal proceedings initiated prior to her arrest,” an ICE spokesperson stated.
It remains unclear what specific charges will ultimately be brought against Ozturk as these proceedings move forward.
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