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 after facing a series of legal battles.
Initially arrested again in March 2025 during a routine immigration check-in, Kordia’s detention was primarily based on claims by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that she had overstayed her student visa, which was terminated in 2022 due to 'lack of attendance.'
Kordia faced further scrutiny regarding funds she sent abroad, which she stated were intended for her relatives. As of now, she has not been charged with any crime. An immigration judge ultimately found sufficient evidence supporting Kordia's claims about the sources of the funds.
Following her bail hearing last Friday, which saw the judge describe the government's case as 'disingenuous,' Kordia was released on a $100,000 bail.
Expressing her relief post-release, Kordia told reporters, I don't know what to say. I'm free! I'm free! Finally, after one year.”
Kordia's situation highlights the tensions surrounding immigration policies in the U.S., particularly the targeting of activists and the controversial practices adopted during the Trump administration. With her home now secure in New Jersey, Kordia’s case remains ongoing as it unfolds against the backdrop of political activism concerning Palestinian rights.
Sarah Sherman-Stokes, a supervising attorney, stated that Kordia had been 'unlawfully targeted by the government for her advocacy for Palestinian rights.' In the eyes of Kordia's family, her release has brought a glimmer of hope after a tumultuous year, emphasizing the support they received from the community throughout this ordeal.
Kordia was detained shortly after the arrest of fellow Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil during the protests in 2024, a period marked by increasing tensions regarding the Gaza conflict and protests at U.S. universities.
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 after facing a series of legal battles.
Initially arrested again in March 2025 during a routine immigration check-in, Kordia’s detention was primarily based on claims by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that she had overstayed her student visa, which was terminated in 2022 due to 'lack of attendance.'
Kordia faced further scrutiny regarding funds she sent abroad, which she stated were intended for her relatives. As of now, she has not been charged with any crime. An immigration judge ultimately found sufficient evidence supporting Kordia's claims about the sources of the funds.
Following her bail hearing last Friday, which saw the judge describe the government's case as 'disingenuous,' Kordia was released on a $100,000 bail.
Expressing her relief post-release, Kordia told reporters, I don't know what to say. I'm free! I'm free! Finally, after one year.”
Kordia's situation highlights the tensions surrounding immigration policies in the U.S., particularly the targeting of activists and the controversial practices adopted during the Trump administration. With her home now secure in New Jersey, Kordia’s case remains ongoing as it unfolds against the backdrop of political activism concerning Palestinian rights.
Sarah Sherman-Stokes, a supervising attorney, stated that Kordia had been 'unlawfully targeted by the government for her advocacy for Palestinian rights.' In the eyes of Kordia's family, her release has brought a glimmer of hope after a tumultuous year, emphasizing the support they received from the community throughout this ordeal.
Kordia was detained shortly after the arrest of fellow Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil during the protests in 2024, a period marked by increasing tensions regarding the Gaza conflict and protests at U.S. universities.
