Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian woman held in immigration detention for over a year, has been released following a bond order by an immigration judge. Kordia was detained after being arrested at a protest at Columbia University related to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cited her overstaying a student visa as the reason for detention. Her case gained attention as she appeared to be the last student or academic in a group held over protests or advocacy connected to the Gaza conflict.
Kordia, 33, was taken into custody in mid-March at the Prairieland Detention Center in Texas. This occurred a week after another Columbia graduate student, Mahmoud Khalil, was arrested. Since then, three judges have ordered her release, but DHS imposed stays each time to keep her detained.
Her legal team argues that Kordia was targeted due to her participation in a peaceful protest opposing military violence and supporting Palestinian rights. All charges from her arrest at the demonstration were dropped “in the interest of justice,” according to her lawyers’ habeas corpus petition filed the previous year.
Kordia stated that immigration authorities singled her out because of her activism against what she described as “the Israeli government’s genocide in Gaza.” The White House officially denied these claims, stating that the administration is enforcing federal immigration laws fairly.
DHS alleged she was involved in “pro-Hamas protests” at Columbia, a characterization her attorneys reject. The agency also claimed she provided financial support to individuals in countries hostile to the U.S., though it did not specify which nations or explain whether this support violated any laws.
Legal representatives clarified that the financial transactions in question involved aid sent to Palestinian family members. These included relatives who suffered losses of homes and businesses due to Israeli airstrikes. DHS has not responded to inquiries about the legality of these transfers.
The Columbia protest where Kordia was arrested was described by her lawyers as peaceful and nonviolent. They strongly deny any claims that she supported Hamas or engaged in activities beyond lawful protest.
Below is a timeline of key events in Leqaa Kordia’s case:
1. Arrest at Columbia University protest opposing Israel’s military actions.
2. Detention by immigration authorities for overstaying her student visa.
3. Multiple immigration judge rulings ordering her release on bond.
4. DHS imposing automatic stays preventing release until recently.
5. Final release granted following judge’s bond order.
Kordia’s release highlights ongoing controversies surrounding the treatment of protesters, immigration enforcement, and allegations tied to political activism amid international conflict. Authorities continue to monitor cases where immigration status intersects with political expression.
This story remains under development and further updates are expected as details emerge.
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