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. She was arrested again in March 2025 during a routine immigration check-in, facing allegations from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that she had overstayed her student visa, which was terminated in 2022 due to lack of attendance.
Federal officials launched an investigation into funds she sent overseas, which she claims was for her family, though she has not been charged with a crime. After an immigration judge found 'overwhelming evidence' that Kordia was truthful about her financial dealings, she was released on a $100,000 bail.
Upon her release, Kordia expressed her joy, stating, 'I don't know what to say. I'm free! I'm free! Finally, after one year.' Her case is emblematic of broader issues regarding immigration enforcement practices under the Trump administration, which emphasized stringent actions against foreign national protesters.
Kordia reported that she had faced harsh conditions during her detention, including being chained to a bed, and managed to secure her release after significant public support and legal efforts.
Her cousin, Hamzah Abushaban, reflected on the toll the past year has taken on their family, expressing gratitude for community support during their struggle. Kordia can now return to her home in New Jersey while her case continues to unfold.
Leqaa Kordia, 33, was among more than 100 demonstrators arrested outside the New York City college's campus in April 2024. She was arrested again in March 2025 during a routine immigration check-in, facing allegations from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that she had overstayed her student visa, which was terminated in 2022 due to lack of attendance.
Federal officials launched an investigation into funds she sent overseas, which she claims was for her family, though she has not been charged with a crime. After an immigration judge found 'overwhelming evidence' that Kordia was truthful about her financial dealings, she was released on a $100,000 bail.
Upon her release, Kordia expressed her joy, stating, 'I don't know what to say. I'm free! I'm free! Finally, after one year.' Her case is emblematic of broader issues regarding immigration enforcement practices under the Trump administration, which emphasized stringent actions against foreign national protesters.
Kordia reported that she had faced harsh conditions during her detention, including being chained to a bed, and managed to secure her release after significant public support and legal efforts.
Her cousin, Hamzah Abushaban, reflected on the toll the past year has taken on their family, expressing gratitude for community support during their struggle. Kordia can now return to her home in New Jersey while her case continues to unfold.
