Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian activist, was released after spending 13 months in ICE custody. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed the New Jersey resident’s release.
Mamdani (now X) wrote on Twitter that he personally made her case with President Donald Trump during a meeting in February. He also asked that Trump drop the cases of four other activists detained over pro-Palestinian campus protests.
In March 2025, the Trump administration cracked down on pro-Palestinian campus activism. Kordia was detained during a routine immigration check.
Several judges have ordered her release on bond, but ICE has repeatedly appealed. A third verdict on March 16 went unchallenged, eventually securing her freedom.
“In my meeting with President Trump last month, we discussed ICE actions at Columbia University. I asked the federal government to release Leqaa Kordia and drop the cases against four others,” Mamdani wrote.
“I am grateful that Leqaa was released from ICE custody this evening after more than a year in custody for standing up for Palestinian rights,” he added.
Mamdani’s post drew serious reactions. Many social media users criticized the NYC mayor for his priorities.
“Sorry but maybe you can focus on NY instead of the Middle East? That would be a nice change of pace,” commented a social media user.
“What about the rights of Jewish students at Columbia who have been forced to flee campus or take online classes because of rampant anti-Semitism? Their safety and education also matter. Do the residents of Gracie Manor care enough to protect all voices?” another user asked.
Another user asked: “Why haven’t you still fired Zionist NYPD PC Jessica Tisch who slandered Leqaa and slandered Palestinian students whose cops brutalized peaceful protesters and whose cooperation with the FBI/ICE led to Leqaa’s arrest in the first place?! There is no reason not to do it now.”
“Where is the freedom of speech in America, mayor? Freedom of speech, I think, is only for hating Islam and the Prophet Muhammad,” chimed in another.
“Originally from India”
“He admits he knows nothing about Ireland. But, Israel, he knows every slogan that criticizes him. Remember he is originally from India, then Uganda. He has no connection to the Middle East, but he hated Israel and the Jews because we defeat Muslims easily,” another user wrote.
“How heartening: NYC mayor takes time from presiding over job losses and negative credit outlook to lobby Trump to release someone detained for more than a year for campus activism on Palestinian rights. Priorities clearly in order – never mind that 38,000 private sector jobs disappeared under progressive policies identity.”
