In brief
Leqaa Kordia, a 33-year-old Palestinian woman, was released from immigration detention in Texas after a year. Kordia was arrested during Gaza war protests at Columbia University in April 2024 and later detained in March 2025 for allegedly overstaying her student visa. Kordia maintains that her actions support her family and has not faced criminal charges, despite allegations from the Department of Homeland Security. Her release comes after an immigration judge found the government's arguments against her to be without merit.
Leqaa Kordia, a 33-year-old Palestinian woman who was detained during protests at Columbia University, has been released after spending a year in immigration detention in Texas. Kordia was one of over 100 demonstrators arrested in April 2024 during protests against the Gaza war.On March 2025, she was taken into custody during a routine immigration check, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alleging that she overstay her student visa, which had been terminated in 2022 due to lack of attendance. Additionally, the DHS claims Kordia had sent funds overseas, purportedly to support her family, leading to a further investigation without criminal charges.Upon her release, Kordia expressed her relief, stating, I don't know what to say. I'm free! I'm free! Finally, after one year. An immigration judge noted 'overwhelming evidence' supporting her claims regarding the funds she sent home and found government objections to her release unconvincing, setting a bail of $100,000.Despite the DHS maintaining Kordia's illegal status in the U.S., she can return to her home in New Jersey as her legal case progresses. Advocates argue Kordia's treatment showcases an unlawful targeting of individuals for their activism, particularly surrounding Palestinian rights.The case has raised concerns regarding immigration policies under the Trump administration and the impact on protesters' rights, as Kordia's cousin reflected on the significant emotional toll the detention had on their family. Her situation is part of broader tensions regarding free speech and immigrant rights amid ongoing political debates.
