Leqaa Kordia Released After Year in US ICE Detention Center

Published: 17 March 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Leqaa Kordia, a pro-Palestinian activist, has been released on bond after spending over a year in ICE custody.

The 33-year-old New Jersey woman, originally from the West Bank, was first arrested during a protest at Columbia University against Israel’s war on Gaza in April 2024. Her detention began nearly a year later when she reported to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in New Jersey, prompting her transfer to the Prairieland detention center in Alvarado, Texas.

Her cousin, Hamzah Abushaban, described the past year as an unimaginable ordeal for Kordia and her family, noting the support they received from their community. “We are grateful for the countless prayers and encouragement during Ramadan, which carried us through some of our darkest days,” he said, reflecting the personal toll of prolonged detention on families.

Kordia was finally released on Monday on a $100,000 bond, despite multiple court rulings affirming she posed no threat and was eligible for release. Her attorneys repeatedly criticised the government for obstructing her basic rights, describing the prolonged detention as an abuse of power. Travis Fife of the Texas Civil Rights Project said Kordia’s release represents only the minimal restoration of her freedoms.

Throughout her detention, Kordia and her legal team raised concerns over dangerous and unsanitary conditions at the Alvarado facility. She suffered a seizure in February, during which she was shackled to the hospital bed for 72 hours, highlighting the extreme measures detainees can face even while receiving medical care. Kordia later stated that ICE detention facilities are deliberately designed to break individuals’ health and hope, calling attention to systemic issues affecting other women in similar conditions.

Kordia’s case gained national attention as she was among the last individuals held following the Trump administration’s 2025 crackdown on pro-Palestine protesters at US universities. Fellow activists Mahmoud Khalil and Mohsen Mahdawi were detained at the same time, drawing widespread concern from human rights advocates about the targeting of political expression.

Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Kordia of being a terrorist sympathizer, claiming authorities were investigating financial transfers she made abroad. Kordia’s legal team confirmed she had sent approximately $1,000 to her family in Gaza while working as a server, insisting the funds were intended for humanitarian purposes rather than illicit activities.

At the time of her detention, Kordia had a pending asylum application and is now in the process of obtaining permanent residency through her US citizen mother. Sarah Sherman-Stokes, supervising attorney at Boston University School of Law Immigrants Rights Clinic, highlighted that her release is a crucial step in restoring her legal rights while emphasising the broader principle of protecting activists from unlawful government targeting.

Support for Kordia’s release extended to public officials, including New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who personally petitioned former President Trump. The case resonated widely on social media, with users sharing solidarity messages and raising awareness about the challenges faced by pro-Palestine advocates in the US.

On the anniversary of her detention, 3 March, Kordia expressed hope for reunification with her family, reinforcing her commitment to human rights advocacy. She emphasised the importance of speaking up for freedom and equality, extending her advocacy beyond her personal circumstances to communities in both Texas and Palestine.

Observers noted that Kordia’s detention highlighted ongoing tensions in US immigration enforcement, particularly concerning political expression. The case raised questions about the balance between national security concerns and constitutional protections, especially regarding the First Amendment. Advocates argued that Kordia’s prolonged detention, despite repeated judicial rulings in her favour, reflects a troubling trend of government overreach against individuals exercising lawful protest rights.

Legal analysts have pointed out that the use of immigration detention as a tool against political activists represents a significant legal and ethical challenge, potentially setting a precedent that could affect future cases. The prolonged detention of individuals like Kordia has prompted calls for legislative reform, aiming to prevent ICE from detaining people for extended periods without clear evidence of risk or criminal activity.

Beyond the legal implications, Kordia’s experience sheds light on the personal and emotional consequences of extended incarceration. Families of detainees often face financial strain, social isolation, and profound uncertainty, all of which exacerbate the trauma of confinement. Advocates argue that these human costs must be considered alongside legal and political debates surrounding immigration enforcement practices.

In addition to highlighting systemic issues in detention facilities, Kordia’s case has also inspired broader discussions about advocacy and solidarity movements. Her release has become a focal point for organisations supporting Palestinian rights, prompting renewed attention to the challenges faced by activists globally. Social media campaigns, public statements, and community fundraising efforts have amplified the message that activism should not be criminalised, and that human rights must be respected regardless of political stance.

Kordia herself remains committed to advocacy, underscoring that her detention will not deter her efforts. She has called for continued attention to the plight of other detainees, stressing the need for reforms to prevent abuse of power in immigration enforcement. Her message resonates with many who view her release as a victory for civil liberties, demonstrating the potential impact of persistent legal advocacy and community support.

Experts suggest that monitoring Kordia’s progress following her release will be important in understanding the long-term implications of her detention. Observers are keen to assess how the combination of legal challenges, media attention, and public advocacy may influence policies affecting activists and asylum seekers in the United States. The broader discourse surrounding political expression and immigration rights is likely to remain a prominent topic in both legal and social arenas.

Ultimately, Kordia’s release marks a significant milestone in her personal journey, yet it also serves as a reminder of ongoing struggles for those advocating for human rights. Her story illustrates the intersection of immigration law, political expression, and civil liberties, highlighting the need for vigilance to protect the fundamental rights of all individuals regardless of nationality or political affiliation.

The activism of individuals like Kordia demonstrates the power of community support and legal advocacy in challenging systemic injustices. Her experience underscores the necessity of protecting the rights of dissenting voices while ensuring that detention practices comply with both national and international standards. The continued attention to cases like hers may drive meaningful change in policy and public awareness, ultimately shaping the environment for future activists.