Full Breakdown
Leqaa Kordia Released After Year in Immigration Detention
3/18/2026, 4:12:07 AM
Background on Detention and Arrest
Leqaa Kordia, a 33-year-old Palestinian woman, was released from the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, after spending over a year in immigration detention. Kordia's detention stemmed from her participation in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University in April 2024, where she was among approximately 100 demonstrators arrested. Following her initial arrest, Kordia was charged with disorderly conduct, but those charges were dismissed. However, during a routine immigration check-in on March 13, 2025, she was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for allegedly overstaying her student visa, which had been terminated in January 2022 due to lack of attendance.
Legal Proceedings and Government Response
Kordia's legal battle involved multiple hearings, with an immigration judge ordering her release on bond three times. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) challenged the first two rulings, but did not contest the third, allowing her to be released on a $100,000 bond. During her detention, Kordia's health deteriorated significantly; she suffered a seizure and was hospitalized for three days, during which she reported being chained to a bed. Her attorneys argued that Kordia was unlawfully targeted due to her activism, a claim supported by her cousin, Hamzah Abushaban, who stated, "This past year has taken an unimaginable toll on Leqaa and our entire family."
Official Statements and Criticism
DHS maintained that Kordia was in the country illegally and accused her of providing financial support to individuals in nations hostile to the U.S. Kordia and her supporters, however, clarified that the funds were intended for family members affected by the conflict in Gaza. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who discussed Kordia's case with President Donald Trump, expressed gratitude for her release, stating, "I am grateful that Leqaa has been released this evening from ICE custody after more than a year in detention for speaking up for Palestinian rights."
Health and Conditions in Detention
Kordia's time in detention was marked by severe health issues, including fainting spells and significant weight loss. Her attorneys highlighted the inhumane conditions at the detention facility, which they described as overcrowded and unsanitary. Kordia's health concerns were a focal point during her legal proceedings, with her legal team arguing that her continued detention posed serious risks to her well-being.
Broader Implications and Community Response
Kordia's release is seen as a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding immigration enforcement and the treatment of activists. Her case has drawn attention to the broader implications of the Trump administration's crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism, which has included the detention of other activists like Mahmoud Khalil and Rümeysa Öztürk. Advocates argue that Kordia's detention was part of a targeted effort to suppress free speech and political dissent related to U.S. foreign policy.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
As Kordia prepares to return to her family in New Jersey, she has expressed her commitment to continue advocating for those still detained. "There is a lot of injustice in this place," she stated upon her release. Kordia's case remains emblematic of the challenges faced by activists in the current political climate, and her release has sparked renewed calls for reform in immigration practices and protections for free speech.
