Palestinian-American Woman Detained After Peaceful Protest in New York

Palestinian-American Woman Detained After Peaceful Protest in New York

New York, May 3, 2025 — A 32-year-old Palestinian-American woman, Leka Kordia, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following her participation in a peaceful protest against Israeli military operations outside Columbia University in spring 2024. Although the initial charge of creating a public disturbance was later dropped, her arrest record has been used as evidence in her ongoing deportation proceedings.

Sanctuary Law Violation Allegations

Under New York City's sanctuary laws, local law enforcement is prohibited from assisting federal immigration authorities, particularly by sharing arrest information. However, on March 14, an NYPD officer compiled a four-page report on Kordia and forwarded it to the Department of Homeland Security's investigative branch. The NYPD asserts that this action was part of a criminal investigation and complied with the law, though the nature of the investigation remains undisclosed.

Political Motive for Detention

Kordia's legal team contends that her detention was politically motivated, arguing that the sole basis for her arrest was her participation in a protest. They further claim that she was denied halal food during her detention, leading to a significant weight loss and an incident where she fainted in the bathroom.

Surveillance of Low-Profile Activist

Despite her low public profile, Kordia was subjected to extensive surveillance. Federal agents interviewed her neighbors and relatives, monitored her financial transactions, and accessed her WhatsApp account prior to her arrest in March.

Mayor's Mixed Response

Initially, New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated that there were no records of such an incident. Subsequently, his office clarified that he was referring to a different case involving discussions with ICE.

Human Rights Concerns

Legal Aid Society's Special Litigation Director, Meghna Philip, expressed concern, stating, "This is a clear violation of sanctuary laws. There are serious questions about how the NYPD shared this information with federal authorities."

Kordia's case has drawn attention to the intersection of local sanctuary policies and federal immigration enforcement, raising questions about the protection of civil liberties and the extent of governmental surveillance on individuals engaged in political activism.