A recent ruling by a Louisiana court has significant implications for nonviolent ICE detainees in North Texas, potentially allowing their continued detention without the option for bond. This decision could influence the cases of two prominent detainees in the region.
On February 6, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the federal government is permitted to detain non-citizens indefinitely without bond, regardless of whether they are accused of violent crimes. This ruling aligns with the previous administration’s policy of mandatory detention during immigration processes, even when a judge has granted bail.
Impact on North Texas Detainees
This ruling poses challenges for Maher Tarabishi and Leqaa Kordia, both currently held in North Texas ICE facilities. Tarabishi, a 62-year-old Jordanian national, has been in detention at the Prairieland Detention Facility since October 2025, following a routine check-in with ICE. He had been the primary caregiver for his disabled son, who passed away recently, yet ICE has denied his requests to attend the funeral.
Tarabishi’s family has spoken out against his detention, emphasizing that he poses no threat to society. His daughter-in-law stated, “Maher Tarabishi is not a criminal; he is a father who has spent his whole life caring for his disabled son.”
Concerns for Leqaa Kordia
Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian woman, has been detained for 10 months at the same facility. She was apprehended in New Jersey in March 2025 after mistakenly surrendering her valid student visa while seeking permanent residency. Recently, she was hospitalized due to a seizure, raising alarms among her supporters and legal advocates.
Amnesty International USA criticized immigration officials for their lack of communication regarding Kordia’s health and treatment. Their statement condemned the neglect of her human rights while in custody, calling the situation “appalling.”
Legal Implications
David Coale, a constitutional law attorney, discussed the court’s ruling, indicating that it may eventually be challenged in the Supreme Court. He noted that the court’s decision is based on a specific provision of the immigration code, asserting that ICE should detain individuals in the immigration process without allowing bond.
Coale pointed out that dissenting opinions in this case highlight a shift in policy that has not been seen in over three decades, suggesting that the current administration’s stance may face significant legal scrutiny.
Next Steps
An ICE spokesperson has confirmed that both Tarabishi and Kordia have been ordered for removal from the United States, marking the next step in their individual cases amidst this contentious legal landscape.
