In brief
Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian woman detained for a year in a Texas immigration facility after participating in protests against Israel, has been released on bond. Celebrating her freedom, she expressed a desire to continue advocating for others still detained. Kordia's case has drawn attention to the Trump administration's crackdown on activists, particularly those with ties to Palestine.
ALVARADO, Texas (AP) — Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian woman who had been held in immigration detention for over a year, was released on a $100,000 bond after an immigration judge ruled in her favor. Kordia, who had lived in New Jersey since 2016, was among about 100 individuals arrested during protests at Columbia University in 2024, protesting against Israel's military actions in Gaza, which have led to substantial casualties among her family members. Upon her release, she expressed immense joy, stating, I don’t know what to say. I’m free! Finally, after one year. This ruling came after the U.S. government chose not to appeal her bond three times, even as her lawyers described her deteriorating health during her detention. Kordia's continued fight for justice highlights the challenges faced by activists under immigration enforcement measures instituted during the Trump administration, specifically targeting those opposing U.S. support for Israel.
