Palestinian Woman Held by ICE in Texas Suffers Seizure After Nearly a Year in Custody

Leqaa Kordia's legal team says her health is in danger due to prolonged detention.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 33-year-old Palestinian woman named Leqaa Kordia, who had been living and working in Paterson, New Jersey, has been held at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Texas for nearly a year. Her legal team says she recently suffered a seizure while in custody and her health is in danger due to the prolonged detention.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the treatment of immigrants in ICE custody, particularly those who have been ordered released by immigration judges but remain detained. It also raises questions about the use of force and the medical care provided to detainees.

The details

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Kordia was arrested on March 13, 2025, for overstaying her student visa and for allegedly providing financial support to individuals living in nations hostile to the U.S. Her legal team says an immigration judge has twice ordered her release, but the orders have been ignored. Kordia's cousin, who is a U.S. citizen, says he tried to post bail for her but the money was either returned or not accepted. Kordia's legal team also accused DHS of detaining her because she participated in a 2024 protest against the Israeli military at Columbia University.

  • Kordia was arrested on March 13, 2025.
  • An immigration judge has twice ordered Kordia's release.
  • On February 6, 2026, Kordia suffered a seizure and was admitted to a hospital in Texas.

The players

Leqaa Kordia

A 33-year-old Palestinian woman who had been living and working in Paterson, New Jersey, and has been held in ICE custody in Texas for nearly a year.

Hazmah Abushaban

Kordia's cousin, who is a U.S. citizen living in Florida and has tried to post bail for her.

Andre Sayegh

The mayor of Paterson, New Jersey, who spoke out about Kordia's case.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that has been holding Kordia in custody in Texas.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that oversees ICE and has provided information about Kordia's case.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're not talking about substantial amounts here.”

— Hazmah Abushaban, Kordia's cousin (CBS News New York)

“For three days in the emergency room, my hands and legs were weighed down by heavy chains.”

— Leqaa Kordia (Letter from Kordia)

“One of our residents is not only in custody, but she's in chains.”

— Andre Sayegh, Paterson Mayor (CBS News New York)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Kordia's release on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of immigrants in ICE custody, particularly those who have been ordered released by immigration judges but remain detained. It raises questions about the use of force, medical care, and the broader immigration enforcement policies in the U.S.