Leqaa Kordia, a 33-year-old Palestinian woman, has been released after spending over a year in immigration detention. She left the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas on Monday following an order from Immigration Judge Tara Naselow-Nahas.
Key Takeaways
Leqaa Kordia, a 33-year-old Palestinian woman, was released from immigration detention after over a year following an order from Immigration Judge Tara Naselow-Nahas. Her release came on a $100,000 bond after three attempts, with the government not appealing the final ruling. Kordia's case drew attention due to her participation in pro-Palestinian protests and allegations of visa overstay.
- Leqaa Kordia released from Prairieland Detention Center in Texas
- Released on $100,000 bond after three attempts by immigration judge
- Detained since March 2025 for participation in pro-Palestinian protests and visa overstay allegations
- Faced harsh conditions including hospitalization due to seizure
- Case part of broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism under Trump administration
Kordia was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last March after a routine check-in with immigration authorities. She was among roughly 100 people arrested outside Columbia University during protests in 2024 against Israel's war on Gaza, as reported by CBS News. Her detention was linked to her participation in these protests and allegations of overstaying her student visa.
The judge ordered Kordia's release on a $100,000 bond after three attempts. The government challenged the first two rulings but did not appeal the third. According to Reuters, Naselow-Nahas described the government's arguments against her release as 'disingenuous.' Kordia was released on Monday and is expected to return to her family in New Jersey.
During her detention, Kordia faced harsh conditions. She was hospitalized last month following a seizure and reported that the detention center conditions were 'filthy' and 'inhumane,' according to The Guardian. Her case has drawn attention from lawmakers, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who personally appealed to President Donald Trump for her release.
Kordia's legal team argues that she was targeted due to her activism. They claim the government wrongly characterizes criticism of Israel as antisemitic and advocacy for Palestinian rights as support for extremism, per Reuters. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has accused Kordia of providing financial support to individuals in nations hostile to the U.S., allegations her lawyers refute. They state that the funds were sent to help family members affected by the war.
The case is part of a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism under the Trump administration, which targeted noncitizens who criticized or protested Israel's military actions in Gaza. Kordia appears to be the last person detained as part of this initiative, according to AP News. Her release has been met with relief and celebration from her supporters.
Kordia expressed her joy upon release, telling reporters 'I don't know what to say. I'm free! I'm free! Finally, after one year,' as reported by BBC. The DHS maintained that Kordia is in the country illegally due to visa violations and remains committed to enforcing immigration laws.
Kordia's cousin, Hamzah Abushaban, spoke about the emotional toll of her detention on their family, stating 'This past year has taken an unimaginable toll on Leqaa and our entire family.' The community support and prayers during Ramadan helped them through this difficult period.
Kordia's detention came shortly after the arrest of another Palestinian activist, Mahmoud Khalil. These detentions occurred amid President Trump's crackdown on international student protesters, sparking debates over free speech rights.
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