Palestinian woman ordered released from ICE detention for 3rd time but may remain detained

On the one-year anniversary of her arrest, Leqaa Kordia, a 33-year-old Palestinian woman detained by immigration officers, has been ordered to be released from ICE detention on bond for the third time by an immigration judge. However, it remains uncertain if she will actually be freed.

Kordia was taken into custody on March 13, 2025, for allegedly overstaying her visa, which had expired on January 26, 2022, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Her arrest was part of a series targeting pro-Palestinian activists, including Mahmoud Khalil and Mohsen Mahdawi.

In a previous incident on April 30, 2024, Kordia was arrested during a pro-Palestinian protest at Columbia University, but all charges against her were later dropped.

The DHS has accused Kordia of providing financial support to individuals in countries hostile to the U.S., alleging that the funds were sent to relatives affected by the conflict in Gaza. Kordia’s legal team has refuted these claims, stating that the money was intended for humanitarian purposes.

Following the recent bond hearing, Kordia expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support from attendees and emphasized her desire to be reunited with her family. She also reiterated her commitment to advocating for human rights and freedom for all individuals, both in the U.S. and Palestine.

Despite the judge’s decision to set Kordia’s bond at $100,000, the government has appealed the release order twice, preventing her from being released. Justice Department attorney Anastasia Norcross argued that no amount of bond would guarantee Kordia’s attendance at future court proceedings.

Kordia’s legal team has raised concerns about her health and safety while in detention, citing a recent seizure that required hospitalization. During her hospital stay, she claimed to have been restrained with shackles on her wrists and ankles.

When asked about the possibility of appealing the latest release order, Norcross declined to provide a definitive response. An ABC News request for comment from the Department of Homeland Security went unanswered.

The ongoing legal battle surrounding Kordia’s detention underscores the broader challenges faced by pro-Palestinian activists targeted by immigration enforcement actions. The outcome of her case will likely have significant implications for the rights and freedoms of individuals involved in similar advocacy efforts.