Detained Palestinian Activist Leqaa Kordia's Struggles Amid Conflict and Injustice

Sat Oct 18 2025 18:04:58 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian activist detained in Texas, grapples with helplessness as many of her relatives in Gaza succumb to the ongoing conflict. A unique case of targeting by the Trump administration, her struggle highlights the challenges faced by activists in the U.S.

Growing up in the West Bank, Leqaa Kordia faced severe restrictions that kept her family in Gaza out of reach. Now, as a detainee in Texas, she feels powerless with over 200 days in custody while the war devastates her homeland. Once an active protester against Israeli policies, Kordia's arrest symbolizes the dire consequences faced by those who advocate for Palestinian rights amid governmental crackdowns. Her situation—marked by accusations of terrorism due to financial support to her family—raises critical questions about U.S. immigration policy and the disproportionate targeting of activists.

NEW YORK (AP) — Growing up in the West Bank, Leqaa Kordia was separated from her family in Gaza by Israeli restrictions on movement between the territories. Now, with many relatives dead, Kordia, detained in a Texas immigration center, struggles to make her voice heard.

“Most days I feel helpless,” said Kordia, 32, who has been in custody since March. “I want to do something, but I can’t from here.”

Kordia, who has lived in New Jersey since 2016, was arrested during a government crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests but remains in detention while others have been released. Mischaracterized by authorities, her case has drawn limited public attention.

“The government has tried again and again to justify this indecent, indefinite detention,” said her immigration attorney.

Following the October 2023 conflict in Israel, Kordia felt moved to protest, sending money to relatives in Gaza who were suffering amidst the violence. Unfortunately, these transfers have been portrayed as suspicious by the government, further complicating her legal battle.

Her arrest is seen as part of a broader pattern under the Trump administration, targeting immigrants who openly support Palestinian rights. Yet her attorney insists Kordia hasn’t committed any crime.

Currently, legal challenges are high, with a federal judge condemning the government's actions while Kordia’s case languishes on appeal. “It breaks my heart that she’s going through all of this,” said fellow activist Mahmoud Khalil.

Kordia’s dream is to find peace and reunite with her family, highlighting the aspirations of many split apart by conflict and governmental policies.