ALVARADO, Texas (AP) — Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian woman from the West Bank, was released on a $100,000 bond after spending a year in immigration detention, highlighting systemic issues with the immigration enforcement system in the United States. Kordia was arrested outside Columbia University during a protest in 2024 that was part of a backlash against Israel's actions in Gaza, which resulted in significant casualties among her family.
After being detained since March 2025, Kordia finally attained her freedom when an immigration judge dismissed the government's objections to her release after repeated rulings in her favor. Emerging from the detention center, Kordia expressed her joy, stating, I’m free! I’m free! Finally, after one year.
Despite her joy, Kordia remains deeply affected by her experience and the broader implications of her case, vowing to continue advocating for those still detained. There is a lot of injustice in this place, she said, highlighting the challenges faced by many immigrants in similar situations.
Kordia's ordeal began during a check-in with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in New Jersey, where she was immediately detained. Her case remained relatively unnoticed, lacking the institutional support often afforded to student activists. This low visibility did not diminish the seriousness of her situation, as allegations against her included overstaying her visa and concerns about the money she sent home to relatives amidst the conflict.
At her release hearing, her attorneys underscored her deteriorating health condition in detention, which resulted in seizures. Ultimately, Kordia's release was based on a finding of overwhelming evidence supporting her claims about her circumstances and intentions.
As she looks to reunite with her family, Kordia is committed to fighting for justice for the many others still trapped within the immigration detention system.
After being detained since March 2025, Kordia finally attained her freedom when an immigration judge dismissed the government's objections to her release after repeated rulings in her favor. Emerging from the detention center, Kordia expressed her joy, stating, I’m free! I’m free! Finally, after one year.
Despite her joy, Kordia remains deeply affected by her experience and the broader implications of her case, vowing to continue advocating for those still detained. There is a lot of injustice in this place, she said, highlighting the challenges faced by many immigrants in similar situations.
Kordia's ordeal began during a check-in with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in New Jersey, where she was immediately detained. Her case remained relatively unnoticed, lacking the institutional support often afforded to student activists. This low visibility did not diminish the seriousness of her situation, as allegations against her included overstaying her visa and concerns about the money she sent home to relatives amidst the conflict.
At her release hearing, her attorneys underscored her deteriorating health condition in detention, which resulted in seizures. Ultimately, Kordia's release was based on a finding of overwhelming evidence supporting her claims about her circumstances and intentions.
As she looks to reunite with her family, Kordia is committed to fighting for justice for the many others still trapped within the immigration detention system.
