Euless, Texas — State Representative Salman Bhojani today issued the following statement regarding the release of Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian woman held at Prairieland Detention Center south of Dallas for nearly a year.
“Leqaa Kordia is finally free. Nima and I join the many friends, family members, and advocates who worked for her release in celebration tonight. Her unconscionable treatment at the hands of a lawless administration brought together Americans from all backgrounds, and tonight we can all breathe a little easier,” said Bhojani. “But make no mistake: the government fought this every step of the way. Three bond orders were ignored, a seizure was hidden from her family and attorneys, and routine visitations were cancelled at the last minute. Today, we celebrate Leqaa, but tomorrow we will keep fighting.”
Kordia was freed on bond after an immigration judge ordered her release for the third time and the government declined to appeal.
Rep. Bhojani led a coalition of Texas state legislators and community advocates calling for Kordia's immediate release. Bhojani and his fellow lawmakers attempted to visit Kordia at Prairieland Detention Center in January but were denied previously approved access to the facility. A press conference with his House colleagues and a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanding her release followed the visitation attempt in Alvarado.
Representative Bhojani expressed his gratitude to the Texas Civil Rights Project and their tireless team of lawyers and advocates, including Alycia Castillo and attorney Travis Fife, whose diligent work on Leqaa's behalf was indispensable to securing her freedom. Their commitment to justice made today possible.
"Today is Leqaa's day, and she deserves every bit of this moment. But she said it herself: there are people still inside that facility who should not be there. We will not stop paying attention, and we will not stop pushing for accountability," Bhojani added
Kordia was arrested at a routine ICE check-in in March 2025 following the Trump administration's crackdown on pro-Palestinian activists. The charges against her were dismissed and sealed. An immigration judge found overwhelming evidence that money she sent to her family in Gaza was for humanitarian support, not any unlawful purpose.