The family of Leqaa Kordia, a pro-Palestine activist being held by US immigration authorities, has demanded her immediate release after she was hospitalized while in detention, according to reports and statements cited by Al Jazeera.
Kordia, who has been in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was taken to hospital last week following a medical emergency. Her family and legal representatives said she suffered a serious health episode and accused authorities of failing to provide timely information about her condition and whereabouts.
Relatives said they were not informed where Kordia was hospitalised and expressed concern about her health and safety, calling the lack of communication “deeply alarming.” Rights advocates supporting the family have also questioned detention conditions and medical care provided to her.
US officials confirmed that Kordia had been transferred to a medical facility for treatment before being returned to detention. The Department of Homeland Security said appropriate medical protocols were followed but declined to comment on her specific condition.
Kordia was detained during an immigration check-in and has been held pending deportation proceedings. Her legal team says she has no criminal record and argues that her detention is linked to her participation in pro-Palestine demonstrations, including protests at Columbia University.
Human rights organisations have called for her release, saying prolonged detention following peaceful protest raises concerns about civil liberties and the treatment of detainees. US authorities maintain that her case is being handled under immigration law.
The case has drawn wider attention amid ongoing debates in the United States over protest rights, immigration enforcement and the treatment of detainees with medical vulnerabilities.