Texas lawmakers call for release of Columbia University protester held in ICE custody
Texas Democrats held a press conference outside the ICE Prairieland Detention Facility in Alvarado on Friday, demanding the release of a Columbia University protester. Lawmakers and family members are calling for the release of Leqaa Kordia, the last Colombian protester still in ICE custody. Texas Rep. Salman Bhojani said he had a scheduled visit with her but was denied entry into the facility. Kordia was arrested in March 2025 during a routine immigration check‑in in New Jersey, where she lived. Her family says she was targeted for advocating for Palestine, despite protest‑related charges later being dropped. They say the conditions inside the facility are inhumane. Family describes emotional toll "I'm extremely angry," said Hamzah Abushaban, Kordia's cousin. "Some part of me as a family member, I feel hopeful, I feel powerless, but the most we can do is speak for her." The video player is currently playing an a Her attorney, Travis Fife with the Texas...