Immigration Judge Tara Naslow-Nahas Orders Release Of Last Columbia Protester On $100,000 Bond

The single, most important new development is Leqaa Kordia’s release from ICE detention on a $100,000 bond—the last remaining Columbia protester detained under the Trump-era 2025 crackdown—and the third time a judge ordered her release after DHS appeals blocked earlier bail rulings.

“Palestinian woman released from US immigration detention center after more than a year Leqaa Kordia freed from detention center in Texas on $100,000 bond WASHINGTON A Palestinian woman who took part in a pro-Palestinian protest at Columbia University in 2024 was released Monday from a US federal immigration detention center”

Anadolu Agency

BBC and NBC New York both report she walked out of the Prairieland Detention Facility in Texas after an immigration judge deemed government arguments against release insufficient and allowed her to reunite with family while the case proceeds.

Anadolu Agency

An Anadolu Agency dispatch emphasizes the bond amount and frames the release as a notable milestone in the broader enforcement drive against pro-Palestinian activism.

Mondoweiss underscores the significance of Kordia’s release as the closing chapter of the detention campaign targeting Columbia protesters, signaling a shift in how these cases are pursued now that one of the most visible detainees has been freed.

The third bond hearing led to release, with DHS appeals failing to prevent it this time, despite earlier stays that had kept Kordia detained.

NBC New York reports the government had challenged the first two rulings but did not contest the third release.

BBC

BBC describes the immigration judge as deeming the government’s arguments disingenuous and granting release on a $100,000 bail.

Mondoweiss highlights the judge’s receptivity to the respondent’s team and the breadth of evidence presented about flight risk and eligibility for bond.

Houston Public Media adds that the health and wellbeing concerns were part of the broader context of the proceedings.

The development occurs within the Trump-era crackdown on pro-Palestinian campus activism, which both U.S. mainstream and alternative outlets describe as targeting noncitizens who spoke out against Israeli actions in Gaza.

“ALVARADO, Texas — A Palestinian woman who was the last person still in immigration detention after the Trump administration's 2025 crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism on college campuses was freed Monday after a year in custody”

Boise State Public Radio

An Anadolu Agency report frames the release as part of a broader enforcement push and quotes Mamdani about the meeting with Trump calling for release and charges dropped against others.

BBC and JTA emphasize the political dimension, noting public appeals by local leaders and the broader context of the crackdown on activists like Mahmoud Khalil.

Mondoweiss recounts specific advocacy by Mayor Mamdani and other local figures seeking to align public pressure with federal action.

Health concerns intensified during detention, including a seizure and hospitalization, with reports describing the facility conditions as unsanitary and medical access as limited.

BBC notes the hospitalization after seizures and fainting spells; CBC emphasizes the harsh conditions and religious liberties concerns raised by Kordia’s lawyers.

CBC.ca

Mondoweiss highlights neurological and cardiac abnormalities as cited by supporters and advocates, underscoring the human-rights critique of the detention regime.

Houston Public Media frames the broader pattern as a health-and-rights crisis inside detention centers used during the crackdown.

The release signals a closing chapter to a high-profile detention phase, but it does not erase broader concerns about immigration enforcement and political targeting of Palestinian advocacy.

“This Friday marks one year since the U”

Democracy Now!

An Anadolu Agency note frames Mamdani’s involvement as part of ongoing advocacy and dialogue with Trump-era policymakers.

Democracy Now!

JTA and Gothamist place emphasis on the political dimension, noting a meeting with Trump and the resulting release as an outcome of political pressure as well as judicial processes.

Patch stresses the chilling effect on communities and free speech, indicating that the detention era had broader civil-rights implications beyond a single case.