Rümeysa Öztürk, a doctoral student at Tufts University, returned to her home state of Massachusetts on Saturday after being held in ICE detention for six weeks, an arrest her attorneys link to the Trump administration's efforts to deport noncitizens who have spoken out against the war in Gaza. Her release followed a federal judge's order on Friday.

Öztürk landed at Boston Logan International Airport Saturday evening, just a day after US District Judge William K. Sessions III ordered her immediate release.

Addressing reporters at the airport, Öztürk expressed gratitude for the support she received. "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 stated. "This has been a 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."

She affirmed her intention to continue pursuing her case in court while resuming her studies and research.

Öztürk's March 25 arrest, captured in a widely circulated video showing masked federal agents apprehending her near her Somerville home, sparked national outrage.