The family of Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian activist detained since March 2025, reported on Saturday that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is withholding information regarding her health and location after she was hospitalized Friday following a seizure.
Concerns Over Health and Transparency
Kordia’s family and legal team state that ICE officials have not provided details about where she is receiving medical care, nor have they shared specifics about her condition or plans for her care after discharge. They learned she required another night in the hospital but have not received confirmation regarding the reason for her hospitalization, only that she reportedly fainted and experienced a seizure.
“We are beyond worried; we are all terrified. DHS has refused to tell any of us what hospital she was taken to, let alone confirm whether Leqaa is even alive,” said Hamzah Abushaban, Kordia’s cousin. He described seeing her last week, noting she was visibly ill and unable to lift the phone to her ear.
Abushaban also shared that Kordia told him she “feels as though she is ‘slowly dying in here.’”
Detention and Activism
Kordia is believed to be the last of the pro-Palestine Columbia University protesters remaining in ICE detention. She has been held at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas. Despite an immigration judge ordering her release twice, the Trump administration has repeatedly appealed those decisions through filings with the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Kordia has described challenging conditions in detention, including overcrowded cells, sleeping on concrete, and being denied accommodations for her Muslim faith, such as a hijab or fasting during Ramadan.
DHS has publicly linked Kordia’s detention to her pro-Palestine activism, though they claim it is due to an alleged visa violation, a claim her legal team disputes. If deported, she would reportedly be handed over to Israeli authorities.
Kordia wrote in a USA Today op-ed last month that the administration aims to “send a chilling message: People who speak out for Palestinian rights or criticize Israel will face retribution.” Amnesty International USA has also condemned the situation, calling it a “blatant disregard of Leqaa’s human rights.”
Prairieland Detention Center has a known history of abusive and inhumane conditions, similar to other ICE facilities. Georgetown University scholar Badar Khan Suri was also detained there in March 2025 after being doxxed for expressing support for Palestinian rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Leqaa Kordia accused of?
DHS claims Kordia is being held for an alleged visa violation, but her legal team denies this. DHS has also publicly linked her detention to her pro-Palestine activism.
Where is Leqaa Kordia currently being held?
Leqaa Kordia was hospitalized after being held at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas. She has since been returned to ICE custody.
Has a judge ruled on Kordia’s release?
An immigration judge has ordered Kordia to be released twice, but the Trump administration has repeatedly appealed those decisions.
As Leqaa Kordia’s case continues, what level of transparency and due process will be afforded to individuals whose activism brings them into conflict with immigration enforcement?
