US Immigration Detains Palestinian Protester Released After Strict Rules

Columbia University Protester Released After Year in Immigration Detention

Leqaa Kordia, a 33-year-old Palestinian woman, has been released from an immigration detention center in Texas after being held for over a year. Kordia, who was detained since March last year, had been targeted by immigration officials following her participation in pro-Palestine demonstrations at Columbia University in 2024.

Kordia, who grew up in the occupied West Bank and moved to the US in 2016, had previously been denied release on bond three times. However, an immigration judge ultimately ruled that she was eligible for release on a $100,000 bond after government lawyers failed to challenge the decision.

Following her release, Kordia expressed gratitude and relief, stating that she was looking forward to returning home and reuniting with her family. She also stated that she would continue to advocate for others who were being held in detention centers.

Kordia’s case had garnered attention due to her connection to a series of protests at Columbia University in 2024. Her lawyers had previously argued that Kordia posed no flight risk and could stay with US citizen family members while in custody.

In a hearing on Friday, an immigration judge agreed with Kordia’s lawyers, stating that she had presented sufficient evidence to support her case. The judge also noted that the government had not provided significant evidence against Kordia.

Kordia was recently hospitalized for three days following a seizure at the detention facility, which her lawyers attributed to a worsening neurological condition.

Source: Al Jazeera