Immigrant advocates are planning to hold an “emergency” press conference in Boston on April 30 on behalf of a 70-year-old Worcester woman they say was detained by federal agents at Logan International Airport on April 29.
The organization Neighbor to Neighbor identified the woman only by her first name, Ruth. A spokesperson from the group said Ruth was returning from vacation in Zimbabwe with her son.
“Ruth has lived in the United States for many years, and is a lawful permanent resident,” a statement by Neighbor to Neighbor said. “She has worked for a local Worcester based nonprofit since 2024. She previously worked for a USAID-funded nongovernmental organization in Africa, which focused on public health.”
Ruth’s son, a U.S. citizen, was let through security, but his mother was detained and the son was not given a reason, the spokesperson said.
The Telegram & Gazette has reached out to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for more information on the case.
Roberto Diaz, executive director of local organization Worcester Interfaith, said he knew about Ruth through her work in local organizations such as the Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice.
Several advocacy groups – including the Massachusetts Communities Action Network, Neighbor to Neighbor, Worcester Interfaith, Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice and LUCE Immigrant Justice Network – are planning to hold a press conference at noon outside the John Joseph Moakley Courthouse in Boston to call for her release, calling her a “mother, an elder and community leader.”
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This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Activists say 70-year-old Worcester resident detained at Logan Airport
