NEW YORK — Growing up in the West Bank, Leqaa Kordia felt a deep connection to her family in Gaza, often hearing their laughter and waves crashing through phone calls from the beach. Now, much of that family lies dead or displaced due to the ongoing conflict. Kordia, who came to the U.S. in 2016, finds herself imprisoned in a Texas detention center, her ability to speak for her family severely limited by her detention.
At 32, Kordia has been held since March 2024, following a large-scale crackdown by the Trump administration on pro-Palestinian demonstrations amid rising tensions between Israel and Hamas. Most days I feel helpless, she said during a recent interview from the detention facility. I want to do something, but I can’t from here. I can’t do anything. Kordia is one of the few arrested from a wave of protests against Israel's military campaign in Gaza that has since escalated, killing thousands. While other activists have gained their release, Kordia's case remains in a legal limbo largely unnoticed by the public. Her solitary imprisonment appears to stem from her identity and the nature of her protests, as she participated independently without institutional support.
July 2023 marked a significant shift for Kordia; she lost many relatives during the escalations, leading her to join demonstrations across New York and Washington, D.C., to express her solidarity with those still suffering in Gaza. Her efforts were met with an arrest shortly after participating in one of these protests, where she was labeled as an unlawful participant in anti-American actions. Following her arrest, Kordia was denied basic religious accommodations in detention and has struggled with the mental state impacted by her family’s suffering and the uncertainty of her situation.
Immigrant rights lawyer Sarah Sherman-Stokes criticized the government's handling of Kordia's case, pointing out the absence of solid evidence justifying her continued detention. Kordia has expressed a pressing desire to speak out for her relatives and work toward a peaceful resolution for all families affected by the violence. Her dream remains simple: finding a way to reunite with her family in the U.S. and rebuilding what was lost amidst political turmoil.
With the ongoing conflict and personal ties to Gaza, Kordia hopes to one day open a cafe that celebrates Palestinian culture, showcasing the beauty of her homeland through food and community. Each day in detention weighs heavily on her aspirations, yet Kordia's heart holds hope for a future where peace will prevail.
