Palestinian Activist Leqaa Kordia Released from Immigration Detention After Year-Long Battle

Mon Mar 16 2026 23:46:14 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Leqaa Kordia, a 33-year-old Palestinian woman from the West Bank, has been released on a $100,000 bond after spending a year in U.S. immigration detention for her participation in pro-Palestinian protests. Kordia's case highlights the ongoing struggles faced by immigrant activists in the U.S.

Leqaa Kordia was released from a Texas immigration detention facility where she had been held for a year after participating in protests against Israel's military actions. Her bond was finally approved after multiple challenges from the government. With plans to reunite with her family, Kordia expressed a resolve to continue advocating for others still detained.

ALVARADO, Texas (AP) — After a lengthy struggle, Palestinian activist Leqaa Kordia has been released on a $100,000 bond after spending a full year in immigration detention. Kordia, 33, from the West Bank, was previously held at a Texas facility in connection with pro-Palestinian protests held at Columbia University in 2024.

Upon her release, Kordia expressed her joy with the words, “I don’t know what to say. I’m free! I’m free! Finally, after one year,” as she left the detention center with a bright smile.

An immigration judge had ordered her release on several occasions, but government challenges delayed her freedom until now. Kordia was initially arrested following a check-in with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in March 2025, amid a crackdown on activists advocating against Israel’s military actions.

In a statement filled with relief, Kordia’s cousin Hamzah Abushaban said, “We are overwhelmed with relief and gratitude at the release of our beloved Leqaa Kordia. This past year has taken an unimaginable toll on Leqaa and our entire family.”

During her detention, Kordia experienced significant health issues, requiring hospitalization after suffering from seizures related to her neurological condition. Advocates have raised concerns about the conditions endured by individuals in detention centers, emphasizing the psychological and physical impact on detainees.

Kordia is looking forward to returning home and reuniting with her mother. However, she expressed her commitment to advocate for others still stuck in the unjust detention system. She stated, “There is a lot of injustice in this place… There are a lot of people that shouldn’t be here in the first place."

The charges against Kordia tied to her protest activities have been dismissed, but her case remained largely under the radar due to a lack of support networks typically available for student activists. She has been accused by federal officials of overstaying her visa and questioned about money transfers to her family in Gaza. Kordia asserts these funds were sent to assist them during the ongoing conflict.

As she steps into freedom, Kordia hopes that her release can bring attention to the plight of other detained activists still fighting for their rights in the face of systemic injustice.