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.
I don't know what to say. I'm free! I'm free! Finally, after one year, Kordia told reporters after emerging from the detention centre near Dallas.
DHS has alleged Kordia provided financial support to individuals living in nations hostile to the US. However, an immigration judge found overwhelming evidence that Kordia was truthful about the funds. The judge described the government's arguments against Kordia's release as disingenuous and ordered that she be released on $100,000 bail.
Kordia, who is from the West Bank, can now return to New Jersey as her case continues. Sarah Sherman-Stokes, supervising attorney with the Boston University School of Law Immigrants' Rights Clinic, stated that Kordia was being 'unlawfully targeted by the government for her advocacy for Palestinian rights'.
Her cousin welcomed her release, stating that the past year had taken a toll on Kordia and their family and expressing gratitude for community support.
Kordia's detention followed the arrest of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil during the protests, amidst a crackdown on international student protests during President Trump's administration, raising significant concerns regarding free speech.
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