Who is Leqaa Kordia, the Palestinian woman detained by ICE?

Who is Leqaa Kordia?

Leqaa Kordia, a 33-year-old Palestinian woman, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since March. Her detention stems from allegedly overstaying her student visa, according to the federal government.

Her Activism and Detention

Kordia gained attention for her participation in pro-Palestinian protests, particularly at Columbia University in New York. She was initially arrested during a protest in April 2024 but had the case dropped. However, she was re-detained in March 2025 after attempting to renew her immigration documentation.

Her Background

Kordia grew up in Ramallah, a city in the occupied West Bank. She moved to the U.S. in 2016 on a visitor's visa and later transitioned to a student visa. Her green card application was approved in 2021, granting her permanent residency. However, her student visa expired in 2022 due to poor advice from a teacher.

Her Current Situation

Kordia is being held at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas. She has faced severe conditions during her detention, including overcrowded facilities and denied religious accommodations. Rights groups have labeled her a 'political prisoner' and are urging her release, while the U.S. government maintains that her arrest is purely for immigration violations.