Leqaa Kordia, who grew up in the occupied West Bank before moving to the United States in 2016, was released from immigration detention on March 16, 2026, after spending one year in custody. Kordia was detained following her participation in pro-Palestine demonstrations in 2024, which drew significant media attention and public outcry.
Kordia was arrested during a routine check-in with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 13, 2025. Her legal team argued that she was targeted for her political activism, a claim that has resonated with many observers of her case. An immigration judge ruled that Kordia was eligible for release on bond three times, but it was not until the government did not challenge the third ruling that she was finally freed on a $100,000 bond.
During her detention, Kordia’s health reportedly deteriorated, including a seizure incident, raising concerns about the conditions within the detention center. She was the last individual in immigration detention related to the 2024 protests, which had seen widespread arrests of activists advocating for Palestinian rights.
Upon her release, Kordia expressed her relief, stating, “I don’t know what to say. I’m free! I’m free! Finally, after one year.” She also highlighted the injustices faced by others still in detention, saying, “There is a lot of injustice in this place.” Kordia lost nearly 200 family members during the recent conflict in Gaza, which has further fueled her activism.
Community support played a crucial role in her release, with Hamzah Abushaban, a supporter, expressing gratitude for the solidarity shown throughout her ordeal. Travis Fife, another advocate, remarked, “Leqaa going home today is the bare minimum,” emphasizing the ongoing struggles faced by many in similar situations.
Despite the charges related to the protests being dropped, Kordia’s immigration case will continue, indicating that her fight is far from over. Observers expect that her case will continue to draw attention to the broader issues of immigration policy and the treatment of activists within the system.
As Kordia returns to her community, she has expressed her intention to continue fighting for those still in detention, underscoring her commitment to advocacy for human rights and justice.
