A Palestinian woman who was detained during Gaza war protests at Columbia University has been released after a year in immigration detention in Texas, her lawyers say. Leqaa Kordia, 33, was among more than 100 demonstrators arrested outside the New York City college’s campus in April 2024, but she was released. She was arrested again in March 2025 during a routine immigration check-in. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said she had overstayed her student visa, which was terminated in 2022 'for lack of attendance.' Federal officials also launched an investigation into funds she sent overseas, which she said was for her family. She has not been charged with a crime.

I don't know what to say. I'm free! I'm free! Finally, after one year, Kordia told reporters after emerging from the detention centre near Dallas on Monday. DHS has alleged Kordia provided financial support to individuals living in nations hostile to the US. Her cousin told the BBC's US partner CBS that she had sent money to relatives overseas.

An immigration judge found 'overwhelming evidence' that Kordia was truthful about the funds, reports the Associated Press news agency. At her third bail hearing on Friday, an immigration judge described the government's arguments against her release as 'disingenuous' and ordered that she be released on $100,000 (£75,000) bail.

Kordia’s lawyer stated that Kordia was unlawfully targeted by the government for her advocacy for Palestinian rights. This past year has taken an unimaginable toll on Leqaa and our entire family, her cousin Hamzah Abushaban said, expressing gratitude for community support during her detention. Kordia was detained shortly after the arrest of another Palestinian activist during protests. The detentions coincided with strict immigration policies under the Trump administration, raising questions about free speech in the context of political advocacy. Kordia, originally from the West Bank, is now able to return to her residence in New Jersey while her legal case continues.