Full Breakdown
Health Crisis of Leqaa Kordia: A Call for Accountability and Release
2/13/2026, 2:24:04 AM
Background on Leqaa Kordia's Detention
Leqaa Kordia, a 33-year-old Palestinian woman, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since March 2025. Kordia, who was in the process of obtaining legal permanent residency, was arrested during a routine meeting with immigration officials in Newark, New Jersey, following her participation in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University. Her detention has drawn significant attention due to allegations of inhumane conditions and the political motivations behind her arrest, particularly as she has lost nearly 200 family members in Gaza amid ongoing conflict.
Recent Health Crisis
On February 6, 2026, Kordia was hospitalized after suffering a seizure at the Prairieland Detention Center in Texas. Her family and legal team reported that they were not informed of her condition or whereabouts for over 72 hours, raising serious concerns about her health and the treatment she received while in custody. Upon her return to detention, Kordia expressed feelings of being "slowly dying" in the facility, which has been criticized for its overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.
Official Statements & Responses
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed Kordia's hospitalization, stating that her admission was made "out of an abundance of caution." However, critics, including Justin Mazzola from Amnesty International, condemned the lack of communication regarding her health and called for her immediate release, arguing that her detention is a violation of her rights to free speech and protest. Mazzola emphasized, “Leqaa should never have been detained in the first place... The Trump administration must stop playing cruel political games with Leqaa’s life.”
Criticism of Detention Conditions
Kordia's detention has been marked by allegations of poor treatment, including inadequate medical care, lack of halal food, and unsanitary living conditions. Reports indicate that detainees at the Prairieland facility have faced overcrowding, plumbing issues, and insufficient access to medical services. Kordia's cousin, Hamzah Abushaban, described her condition during a recent visit as alarming, noting that she appeared frail and ill. He stated, “The government’s silence, combined with her rapid physical decline, raises the gravest fears for her life.”
Broader Implications and Calls for Action
Kordia's case has sparked outrage among lawmakers and human rights advocates, who argue that her detention is emblematic of a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism in the U.S. More than 30 Texas lawmakers have called for her release, labeling her a political prisoner. Kordia's legal team is challenging her detention in court, asserting that it is unconstitutional and retaliatory due to her activism.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While DHS maintains that Kordia's detention is due to immigration violations, her supporters argue that her activism against Israel's actions in Gaza is the primary reason for her continued confinement. The discrepancy between the official narrative and the accounts from Kordia's family and advocates highlights the contentious nature of her case.
What's Next
As Kordia's legal battle continues, her family and supporters remain vigilant, demanding transparency regarding her health and conditions in detention. The urgency of her situation has prompted renewed calls for her release, especially as the legal proceedings unfold. Advocates emphasize that Kordia's case is not just about her freedom but also about the rights of all individuals to express their beliefs without fear of retribution.
