Tufts University student Rümeysa Öztürk arrives back home after spending six weeks at a Louisiana detention center | CNN

Rümeysa Öztürk's Release from ICE Detention

Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts University doctoral student, was detained by federal agents for six weeks due to her pro-Palestinian activism. After a court hearing, Judge William K. Sessions III ordered her immediate release, citing substantial claims of due process and First Amendment violations.

The Arrest and Detention

Öztürk's arrest, captured on video, sparked national outrage. The Trump administration accused her of supporting Hamas, but presented no evidence in court. Öztürk suffered from asthma attacks during her detention. Her detention was part of a broader effort targeting international students involved in pro-Palestinian activism.

The Court Case and Release

The judge emphasized the chilling effect of Öztürk's detention on free speech and noted a lack of evidence to justify her continued detention. The release was without travel restrictions or ICE monitoring, although ICE initially attempted to delay her release.

Reactions and Aftermath

Öztürk, her family, supporters, and elected officials celebrated the decision. Her attorney highlighted the injustice of her detention for expressing political views. Tufts University expressed its pleasure at her release and offered her on-campus housing. Öztürk plans to continue her studies and legal fight against the visa revocation.

• Judge Sessions emphasized the importance of free speech and due process.
• Öztürk's detention was deemed to be a chilling effect on free speech.
• The case is seen as part of a wider pattern targeting international students involved in pro-Palestinian activism.
• Öztürk's legal team will continue to fight her visa revocation.