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.
She was arrested again in March 2025 during a routine immigration check-in. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said she had overstayed her student visa, which was terminated in 2022 for lack of attendance.
Federal officials also launched an investigation into funds she sent overseas, which she said was for her family. She has not been charged with a crime.
Kordia expressed immense relief upon her release, stating, I don't know what to say. I'm free! I'm free! Finally, after one year, after emerging from the detention centre near Dallas.
During the detention period, Kordia experienced a seizure and could not receive adequate care, where she claimed to be chained to a bed.
An immigration judge found overwhelming evidence that Kordia was truthful about the funds she sent abroad, leading to her release on $100,000 bail. Kordia's release received backing from many who claimed she was unlawfully targeted due to her advocacy for Palestinian rights.
Her cousin remarked on the significant toll the past year had taken on Kordia and the family's resilience during the ordeal. Kordia was detained following the arrests of other activists amid a government crackdown on international protesters, sparking a debate over free speech and immigration rights.
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