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Palestinian activist Leqaa Kordia released from ICE detention after seizure, year in custody

Mar 16, 2026 · Paterson, NJ, Palestinian Territories

Palestinian activist Leqaa Kordia released from ICE detention after seizure, year in custody

Leqaa Kordia, a 33-year-old Palestinian woman from Paterson, New Jersey, was detained by ICE in March 2025 after attending a voluntary check-in at the Newark ICE office. She had participated in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University in April 2024, though those charges were dismissed the next day. At the time of her ICE detention, Kordia had a pending green card application through her U.S. citizen mother and a pending asylum application. She was held at Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas for over one year. In February 2026, while detained, Kordia suffered a seizure and was hospitalized but remained shackled to her hospital bed and was prevented from contacting family or attorneys. She experienced additional health complications including dizziness, fainting episodes, and significant weight loss, along with reports of overcrowded conditions and inadequate food at the facility. On March 16, 2026, an immigration judge ordered her release on a $100,000 bond, citing minimal flight risk and serious medical concerns. The government did not appeal the decision. Her attorneys contend she was targeted for her pro-Palestine advocacy.

Timeline

Apr 2026Leqaa Kordia arrested at pro-Palestine protest outside Columbia University; charges dismissed the following day
Mar 16, 2026Immigration judge ordered Kordia's release on $100,000 bond, citing minimal flight risk and serious medical concerns; government did not appeal
Feb 2026Kordia suffered seizure while in detention and hospitalized; remained shackled to hospital bed and prevented from contacting family or attorneys
Mar 2025Kordia detained by ICE after voluntary check-in at Newark ICE office; transferred to Prairieland Detention Center in Texas

Sources

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