Full Breakdown
Palestinian Woman Hospitalized Following Seizure in U.S. Immigration Detention
2/10/2026, 8:18:26 PM
Incident Overview
Leqaa Kordia, a 33-year-old Palestinian woman, was hospitalized on February 6, 2026, following a seizure while in U.S. immigration detention at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that medical staff notified Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about her condition, leading to her admission to Texas Health Huguley Hospital for further evaluation. Kordia, who is in the process of securing legal residency and whose mother is an American citizen, was detained by U.S. immigration authorities in early 2025 during a meeting at the Newark ICE Field Office.
Health Concerns and Family Response
Kordia's family and legal team expressed concern over the lack of communication from U.S. authorities regarding her health during her hospitalization. Her cousin, Hamzah Abushaban, stated, “While we are relieved Leqaa is out of the hospital, we still have no idea what her medical condition is and what happened to her the past three days.” After being discharged from the hospital, Kordia returned to detention on February 9, 2026.
Background and Context
Kordia has faced significant personal loss, with Amnesty International reporting that 175 members of her family have been killed during the ongoing conflict in Gaza since late 2023, following an attack by the militant group Hamas. The DHS indicated that Kordia was arrested for immigration violations related to overstaying her expired student visa and had previously been detained during pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University in 2024, which the department characterized as supportive of Hamas.
Conditions of Detention
Rights groups have long criticized the conditions in ICE detention facilities, labeling them as inhumane. Kordia herself described her detention conditions as “filthy, overcrowded, and inhumane.” The federal government has denied these allegations, asserting that detainees receive proper medical care.
Criticism of Government Actions
Kordia and other activists argue that the U.S. government equates criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza with antisemitism and views advocacy for Palestinian rights as support for extremism. This perspective has been exacerbated by actions taken during the administration of former President Donald Trump, which included threats to freeze federal funding for universities where pro-Palestinian protests occurred and attempts to deport foreign protesters. Critics assert that these measures infringe upon free speech and due process rights.
Verbatim Quotes
- “While we are relieved Leqaa is out of the hospital, we still have no idea what her medical condition is and what happened to her the past three days,” — Hamzah Abushaban, Cousin
- “Ms Kordia has said she was targeted for pro-Palestinian activism and described the conditions in her detention facility as “filthy, overcrowded and inhumane”.” — Leqaa Kordia
Conclusion
The case of Leqaa Kordia highlights ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of detainees in U.S. immigration facilities, particularly those involved in political activism. As her family continues to seek clarity on her health and legal status, broader implications regarding free speech and the treatment of immigrants remain at the forefront of public discourse.
