As tomorrow marks one year since Leqaa Kordia was unlawfully taken into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, Amnesty International USA calls for her immediate release and demands accountability for the violations of her human rights.
“Leqaa has spent the last year in ICE custody simply for demanding an end to Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza,” said Justin Mazzola, Deputy Director of Research at Amnesty International USA. “Leqaa should never have been detained in the first place, let alone for an entire year. Asserting one’s right to free speech and peaceful protest is not a crime. It cannot be punished through detention or threats of deportation.”
“In targeting Leqaa, the Trump administration is sending a chilling message to us all: opposition and dissent will not be tolerated. As we wait for the outcome of Leqaa’s third bond hearing tomorrow – on the one-year anniversary of her detention – we must remember that human rights – including the right to free expression – are non-negotiable. Leqaa must be released immediately, and Congress must hold the Trump administration accountable for this injustice.”
Inside the ICE facility, Leqaa has been subjected to overcrowded, inhumane conditions and has been denied religious accommodation. Leqaa’s medical condition has also deteriorated, resulting in her hospitalization.
“My cousin was targeted for defending the rights of our family and loved ones in Palestine,” said Hamzah Abushaban, a cousin of Leqaa Kordia. “It is unthinkable that the Trump administration would use this mourning of lost family to justify detaining Leqaa, stripping her rights away, and taking her from our family for an entire year.
“Congress must step up and demand ICE stop playing cruel games with Leqaa’s life. Lawmakers must call Leqaa’s detention what it clearly is – unjust, unlawful, and politically motivated. It is the responsibility of Congress to advocate for our rights and demand accountability when those rights are violated.
“While in custody, Leqaa continues to assert her resilience, agency, and right to life. Her voice must be heard, and her needs must be met. Leqaa must be released immediately. We are ready to welcome her home.”
Background
Leqaa Kordia is a 33-year old Muslim Palestinian women living in Paterson, New Jersey. She has been detained by U.S. immigration authorities since March 13, 2025. At the time of her detention, Leqaa was in the process of securing legal residency in the United States. During a voluntary meeting with immigration officials at the Newark ICE Field Office, where she was accompanied by her attorney, Leqaa was immediately detained, despite being found to present a low risk to public safety, flight or criminal history.
Leqaa was transferred to the Prairieland Detention Facility in Texas. This facility, which is located far from her attorney and family, has a documented history of human rights violations. Inside the ICE facility, Leqaa has been subjected to overcrowded and inhumane conditions. She has been denied religious accommodation – including access to halal food, clean space to pray, and clothing that adequately covers the body for prayer.
On February 6, Leqaa collapsed, suffered a head injury, and experienced a seizure. She was hospitalized for three days, during which ICE provided no information to her family or attorneys about her condition or whereabouts. She was returned to detention on February 9.
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