In brief
Leqaa Kordia, a 33-year-old Palestinian woman who had been held in immigration detention for over a year, was finally released on a $100,000 bond. Kordia, who protested for Palestinian rights after losing family in Gaza during the conflict, plans to fight for others still being detained. Despite the government's challenges to her release, an immigration judge found compelling evidence in her favor. Kordia's yearlong detention, prompted by her activism, sheds light on broader issues of immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
ALVARADO, Texas (AP) — Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian woman once the last detainee from the Trump administration’s crackdown on activists, has been released on a $100,000 bond after spending more than a year in custody.
Kordia, 33, who hails from the West Bank and has resided in New Jersey since 2016, was apprehended during protests at Columbia University in 2024. She was taken into detention at a facility in Texas since March.
I don't know what to say. I'm free! I'm free! Finally, after one year, she exclaimed, overjoyed to find herself outside the detention center.
Following multiple requests for her release, an immigration judge ordered her bond released after the government's challenge expired.
During her detention, Kordia suffered a seizure and thanked her supporters. Her cousin, Hamzah Abushaban, expressed overwhelming relief and gratitude for her release, emphasizing the toll on Kordia and their family.
As she reflects on her experience, Kordia noted her intention to continue advocating for those still held, stating, There is a lot of injustice in this place. There are a lot of people that shouldn’t be here in the first place. She had joined the protests due to the devastation faced by her family and others in Gaza, affirming her commitment to activism.
Kordia's release highlights significant concerns regarding immigration enforcement policies targeting those expressing dissent against the government's actions, particularly concerning the Palestinian conflict.
