Leqaa Kordia, aged 33, was released from the Prairieland Detention Facility in Texas on Monday, greeted by a crowd of supporters. She was the final detainee from the Trump administration’s 2025 crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism on college campuses and had spent a challenging year in custody, according to her lawyer, Sarah Sherman-Stokes. Despite enduring harsh conditions and alleged violations of her religious rights, Kordia was not charged with any crime.
After her release, Kordia expressed that her freedom was incomplete until everyone else detained was also free. She highlighted the injustice she witnessed and vowed to continue fighting for those still in detention. Originally from the West Bank, Kordia had been living in New Jersey since 2016 on various visas. Her detention stemmed partly from her involvement in Gaza war protests at Columbia University.
While in custody, U.S. officials questioned her visa status and financial transactions to Gaza, alleging support for individuals in countries deemed hostile to the U.S. Despite multiple orders for her release by an immigration judge, Kordia faced challenges, which were eventually overcome, leading to her release on a $100,000 bond.
Sherman-Stokes disclosed that Kordia’s detention had jeopardized her health, leading to hospitalization due to various health issues exacerbated by stressful conditions. An immigration judge acknowledged overwhelming evidence supporting Kordia’s claims about her financial transactions and ruled in her favor regarding her detention and her risk of seizures.
However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintained its stance on Kordia’s illegal presence in the country. The DHS affirmed its commitment to upholding immigration laws and continuing efforts to detain and remove individuals without legal status. Despite being released on bond, Kordia faced challenges returning to her family in New Jersey due to identification issues.
Efforts are underway to secure the necessary government identification for Kordia to reunite with her family in New Jersey promptly. The legal battle surrounding her case continues, with Sherman-Stokes emphasizing the obstacles faced by individuals upon release from detention.