70-year-old Worcester resident was detained at Logan Airport, calling for release

Immigration advocates plan to hold an “emergency” press conference in Boston on April 30 on behalf of a 70-year-old Worcester woman, who said they said they were detained by federal agents at Logan International Airport on April 29.

Neighbor’s organization The neighbor only uses her name Ruth to identify the woman. A spokesman for the organization said Ruth returned from Zimbabwe on vacation with her son.

“Russ has lived in the United States for many years and is a legal permanent resident,” a statement from his neighbor said. “She has been working for a local Worcester-based nonprofit since 2024. She previously worked for a USAID-funded NGO in Africa, which focuses on public health.”

The spokesman said Ruth’s son was a U.S. citizen and was secured, but his mother was detained and his son had no reason.

Telegram & Gazette has contacted U.S. Customs and Border Protection for more information on the case.

Roberto Diaz, executive director of the local organization Worcester Interfaith, said he learned about Ruth by working at local organizations such as student clinics for immigration justice.

Several advocacy groups – including the Massachusetts Community Action Network, Neighbors, Worcester Interaction, Student Clinic for Immigration Justice and Luce Immigration Justice Network – plan a press conference at noon at John Joseph Moakley Courthouse in Boston, calling her to release her, calling her “mother, a mother, senior citizen and community leader.”

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The article originally appeared in the telegram and communique: activists say 70-year-old Worcester resident was detained at Logan Airport