| Dallas, TX (3/19/26)— CAIR Action welcomes the release of Palestinian advocate Leqaa Kordia from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. After being detained for a year at the Prairieland Detention Facility in Alvarado, Texas, Kordia was ordered released by an immigration judge who determined she posed "next to no flight risk." Kordia’s case became a focal point for civil rights advocates nationwide. Her detention was widely condemned as unjust and retaliatory, linked to her vocal advocacy for Palestinian human rights and calls to end Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Her time in custody was marked by serious health complications that required multiple hospitalizations, raising urgent concerns about the medical care provided within ICE facilities. “We are relieved that Leqaa has finally been released and reunited with her loved ones in time for Eid,” said Sameeha Rizvi, CAIR Action’s Texas Policy and Advocacy Coordinator. “Her freedom is a testament to the tireless advocacy of her family, her legal team, and a movement of people who refused to remain silent. However, the fact that she was held for a full year despite deteriorating health is a sobering reminder of the cruelty inherent in this system and the targeting of pro-Palestinian activists. We remain committed to advocating for those who are still detained and for a free Palestine.” While the community celebrates Kordia’s release, CAIR Action is shifting its urgent focus to others who remain behind bars—specifically Yaakub Vijandre. Yaakub Vijandre, a DACA recipient, photojournalist, and pro-Palestinian activist, remains in ICE detention after being arrested in Texas. Despite having deportation protections, the government has sought to revoke his status based on his Instagram posts. His legal team maintains that social media activity is constitutionally protected speech. “Leqaa’s release is a step in the right direction, but our joy is tempered by the fact that Yaakub Vijandre is still being held,” said Omayma Mansour, CAIR Action New Jersey’s Policy Advisor. “Targeting a DACA recipient for his journalism and advocacy is a dangerous escalation. We will not stop pushing for justice until Yaquub and others like him are free.” Over the course of her detention, CAIR Action NJ and CAIR Action TX mobilized extensive phone banking and letter writing campaigns, connected Leqaa’s legal team with key congressional offices, and held direct meetings with elected officials to advocate for her release. The organizations now call on the public and elected officials to apply that same pressure to ensure Yaakub Vijandre is returned to his community. |
| About CAIR Action CAIR Action is a 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to engaging, educating, and mobilizing Muslim voters, training emerging leaders, and advancing policy priorities that strengthen the political representation and well-being of Muslim communities.- END - CONTACT: Basim Elkarra, Executive Director CAIR Action, belkarra@cairaction.org CAIR Action Communications, media@cairaction.org |