Leqaa Kordia's Journey: From Detention to Advocacy

Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian immigrant, was arrested during a pro-Palestinian protest outside Columbia University in April 2024. Her detention, along with fellow Palestinian students Mahmoud Khalil and Mohsen Mahdawi, has drawn significant attention, particularly after a federal judge ruled their detention unconstitutional. Kordia's charges were dropped the following day, but her time in the Prairieland detention center in Alvarado, Texas, has profoundly impacted her perspective on immigration and activism.

The Guardian

Kordia, who has lived in the U.S. for nearly a decade, left the West Bank to reunite with her mother, a U.S. citizen. Her childhood in Palestine was marked by violence and trauma, including a harrowing experience at the age of nine when Israeli soldiers invaded her home. These memories resurfaced during her detention, where she faced neglect and inhumane conditions, leading to her hospitalization for a seizure.

The Guardian

Kordia described the conditions in the Prairieland detention center as akin to a jail, highlighting the cold environment, inadequate medical care, and dismissive treatment from guards. She recounted instances of humiliation, such as being directed to drink water from a fountain attached to a toilet seat and the poor quality of food provided. Despite these challenges, Kordia found solidarity among fellow detainees, forming a supportive community that transcended language barriers.

The Guardian

Kordia's release followed mounting pressure from legislators and human rights organizations. She expressed her commitment to advocating for those still in detention, stating, “Now I’m advocating on behalf of my family here in America … Now I have a bigger family.” Her experience has prompted her to speak out about the conditions in immigration detention, emphasizing the need for public awareness.

The Guardian

Kordia believes that the general public lacks understanding of the realities faced by individuals in immigration detention. She noted that many people, including herself before her detention, are unaware of the harsh conditions and treatment detainees endure. This lack of awareness contributes to the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants and the need for systemic change.

The Guardian

Although Kordia has been granted temporary protection from deportation, the administration continues to pursue her deportation. She remains uncertain about her future but feels compelled to share her story and advocate for those left behind. Kordia's journey reflects the broader struggles of immigrants facing detention and the urgent need for reform in the immigration system.

The Guardian

• “I was advocating on behalf of my family in Palestine, and now I’m advocating on behalf of my family here in America …” — Leqaa Kordia

The Guardian

• “The word ‘detention center’ sounds nice,” — Leqaa Kordia

The Guardian

• “They don’t call you by name, they call you ‘subject’, or by number,” — Leqaa Kordia

The Guardian

• “The least I can do is talk about what those I left behind are facing every day,” — Leqaa Kordia

The Guardian