Palestinian Activist Leqaa Kordia Released from U.S. Immigration Detention

Kordia was held for over a year after being arrested during pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University

Mar. 17, 2026 at 6:08pm

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Leqaa Kordia, a 33-year-old Palestinian woman raised in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, was released on bond from a U.S. immigration detention center in Texas after a judge's order. Kordia was detained in 2025 for overstaying her expired student visa, though her attorney said she was in the process of securing legal residence. Her release comes after over a year in detention and follows calls from rights groups and some Democratic members of Congress for her release.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns over the Trump administration's crackdown on pro-Palestinian activists, with critics arguing the government wrongly characterizes criticism of Israel's policies as antisemitism and advocacy for Palestinian rights as support for extremism. It also raises questions about due process and racial profiling in immigration enforcement.

The details

Kordia was arrested by local police at Columbia University in 2024 during pro-Palestinian protests over Israel's war in Gaza. Immigration authorities say she was detained in 2025 for overstaying her expired student visa, though her attorney said she was in the process of securing legal residence. Kordia was released on $100,000 bond after a judge ruled the government's arguments against her release were "disingenuous." She had previously been denied bond twice, with the government automatically staying the orders.

  • Kordia was arrested at Columbia University in 2024.
  • Kordia was detained by immigration authorities in 2025.
  • Kordia was released on bond on March 16, 2026.

The players

Leqaa Kordia

A 33-year-old Palestinian woman raised in the Israeli-occupied West Bank who was detained by U.S. immigration authorities for over a year.

Tara Naselow-Nahas

The immigration judge who ordered Kordia's release on $100,000 bond, ruling the government's arguments against her release were "disingenuous."

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who cracked down on pro-Palestinian demonstrations, attempting to deport foreign protesters and threatening to freeze funds for universities where protests were held.

Zohran Mamdani

The New York City mayor who raised Kordia's case directly with former President Donald Trump.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know what to say. I am free... Finally, after one year.”

— Leqaa Kordia

“The government's arguments against release on bond were 'disingenuous.'”

— Tara Naselow-Nahas, Immigration Judge

What’s next

Kordia's immigration case will continue despite her release on bond.

The takeaway

This case highlights the Trump administration's crackdown on pro-Palestinian activists, raising concerns over free speech, due process, and racial profiling in immigration enforcement. It also underscores the ongoing tensions and debates around criticism of Israel's policies and advocacy for Palestinian rights.