A Palestinian woman has been freed from immigration detention after spending more than a year in federal custody, following three separate bond hearings where a judge repeatedly ordered her release despite government opposition.
Year-Long Detention Ends
Leqaa Kordia, 33, walked free after Immigration Judge Tara Naselow-Nahas ordered her release for the third time in Dallas, Texas. Kordia was initially arrested on March 13, 2025, during a scheduled meeting with immigration officers. The Department of Homeland Security claimed she overstayed her visa, which allegedly expired on January 26, 2022. Her detention lasted longer than any other pro-Palestinian demonstrator targeted during this period.
Judge Naselow-Nahas expressed frustration during Friday’s hearing, noting she had reviewed thousands of pages of evidence from Kordia’s attorneys while receiving minimal evidence from the government. The judge stated she believes Kordia poses nearly no flight risk. The government twice invoked automatic stays to appeal previous bond orders, extending her detention by months. Justice Department attorney Anastasia Norcross argued that no bond amount would ensure Kordia’s appearance at future proceedings.
Health Concerns and Allegations
Kordia’s legal team raised serious health concerns about continued detention. She suffered a seizure in February that required three days of hospitalization. Court documents indicate she was shackled at her wrists and ankles during her hospital stay. The Department of Homeland Security also alleged Kordia provided financial support to individuals in countries hostile to the United States. Her attorneys countered that these payments went to family members displaced by the Gaza conflict.
Background and Legal History
This marks Kordia’s third encounter with law enforcement. She was previously arrested at a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside Columbia University on April 30, 2024, though all charges were promptly dismissed. Her most recent arrest was part of a broader effort targeting pro-Palestinian activists, including Mahmoud Khalil and Mohsen Mahdawi. In a statement released through her attorneys, Kordia expressed gratitude for supporters who attended her bond hearing and stated her intention to continue advocating for basic rights and freedom. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests for comment about whether they would challenge this latest release order.