Pro-Palestinian protester released after being in ICE custody for over a year.
Key Takeaways
- Leqaa Kordia, a 33-year-old Palestinian and former Columbia student, was released on a $100,000 bond after more than a year in ICE custody.
- DHS says her student visa was rescinded for failure to maintain status; her lawyers say she was targeted for campus protests and allege mistreatment in detention.
- An immigration judge ordered her release for the third time; federal attorneys repeatedly appealed prior orders, which kept her detained.
- Her case highlights how visa rescissions, bond appeals and detention conditions intersect and affect migrants’ health and legal rights.
Background
Leqaa Kordia was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in March 2025 after, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says, she exceeded the terms of her student visa; DHS has said her visa had been rescinded in January 2022 for lack of presence. Kordia — who had been arrested earlier during pro‑Palestine demonstrations at Columbia University — was ordered released by an immigration judge on a $100,000 bond. It has been reported that this was the third time the same judge had ordered her release; federal prosecutors repeatedly appealed prior orders, and those appeals kept her in custody.
Detention, health and legal fight
Her lawyers say she suffered seizures and other health problems while detained and was hospitalized in February; they allege her legs were chained to a hospital bed for 72 hours. DHS responded that detainees receive emergency medical care and, in a statement, said “for many illegal aliens, this is the best health care they receive in their lives.” It has been reported that critics and advocates view her case as politically charged and say she was targeted for her protest activity — an allegation the government denies. The detention occurred at Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas.
What this means for people going through immigration proceedings now
Legally, a visa rescission places someone out of status and can trigger detention and removal proceedings; detainees can seek bond before an immigration judge, but the government can appeal bond decisions and request stays, prolonging detention. ICE custody, extended appeals and disputed medical care are recurring issues that affect detainees’ mental and physical health and can delay access to counsel and legal relief. For anyone in similar circumstances: secure immigration counsel early, document medical complaints, and pursue bond hearings and any applicable relief (for example, asylum or other forms of protection) — eligibility depends on individual facts and immigration history.
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