ICE Detainee from Paterson Hospitalized After Medical Emergency

Leqaa Kordia's family and attorneys say they have been unable to get information about her condition or whereabouts.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Leqaa Kordia, a 33-year-old Paterson woman who has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for nearly a year, was rushed to a hospital after reportedly fainting and suffering a seizure at the Prairieland Detention Facility in Alvarado, Texas. Kordia's family and attorneys say they have been unable to get information about her condition or whereabouts, raising grave concerns for her health and life.

Why it matters

Kordia's prolonged detention has drawn criticism from lawmakers and human rights groups, who argue that she is being unfairly targeted for her involvement in a protest against Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Her case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of immigrants in ICE detention facilities, including allegations of inadequate medical care, poor living conditions, and retaliation for political speech.

The details

According to Kordia's attorneys and family, she fainted and suffered a seizure on February 6th at the Prairieland Detention Facility. Her cousin, Hamzah Abushaban, said he first learned of the incident from another person in custody with Kordia. Abushaban said when he saw Kordia last week, she was visibly ill and told him she feels like she is "slowly dying in here." Kordia's attorneys say the lack of information about her health and location is "deeply alarming."

  • Kordia fainted and suffered a seizure on February 6, 2026.
  • Abushaban visited Kordia last week and observed her poor health.

The players

Leqaa Kordia

A 33-year-old Paterson woman who has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for nearly a year.

Hamzah Abushaban

Kordia's cousin who has expressed grave concerns about her health and treatment in detention.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that has detained Kordia, despite an immigration judge twice ordering her release.

LaSalle Corrections

The private company that operates the Prairieland Detention Facility in Alvarado, Texas, where Kordia is being held.

Sarah Sherman-Stokes

Supervising attorney with the Boston University School of Law Immigrants' Rights Clinic, which is part of Kordia's legal team.

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What they’re saying

“We are beyond worried; we are all terrified. ICE has had her family in the dark this entire time.”

— Hamzah Abushaban, Kordia's cousin (app.com)

“Leqaa should be free and recovering with her family in New Jersey. Instead, her family and her legal team are left to wonder whether she will be yet another casualty of ICE detention.”

— Sarah Sherman-Stokes, Supervising attorney, Boston University School of Law Immigrants' Rights Clinic (app.com)

What’s next

The judge in Kordia's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow her to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of immigrants in ICE detention facilities, including allegations of inadequate medical care, poor living conditions, and retaliation for political speech. It raises questions about the broader use of immigration detention and the need for greater oversight and accountability.