The judge ruled that Öztürk's detention violated her First Amendment rights due to her protected speech criticizing Israel in a university op-ed, and that her detention involved significant due process violations. There was no evidence justifying her arrest except consideration of her op-ed, making her continued detention unlawful.

Although Judge Sessions ordered Öztürk's immediate release from detention, the broader deportation case against her continues in immigration court.

Her student visa was revoked by the Trump administration on the basis that her continued presence was contrary to American foreign policy interests, specifically citing her pro-Palestinian activism and critical op-ed about Israel.

Öztürk was detained at an ICE facility in Basile, Louisiana. Her detention sparked national protests and viral outrage after a video of her arrest by masked federal agents was widely shared.

Öztürk's case highlights concerns that immigration enforcement may target dissenting voices, particularly international students criticizing U.S. foreign policy, raising constitutional questions about the limits of free speech protections and due process rights for visa holders in immigration custody.