Columbia University student Elaina Aghayeva was released from federal custody on Thursday, hours after her detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed her imminent release following a meeting with President Trump.
Key Takeaways
- Columbia student Elaina Aghayeva was detained by ICE agents on campus.
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani secured her release after speaking with President Trump.
- Columbia University stated federal agents misrepresented their purpose to gain entry to a residential building.
- DHS claimed Aghayeva's visa was terminated in 2016 due to non-attendance.
Federal Agents Detain Student on Campus
Elaina Aghayeva, a senior studying neuroscience and political science, was detained early Thursday morning. Federal agents entered a residential building on the Columbia University campus.
The university quickly reacted to the incident. Claire Shipman, the acting president of Columbia, stated that immigration officials made false claims to enter the building.
"Our understanding at this time is that the federal agents made misrepresentations to gain entry to the building to search for a 'missing person.' We are working to gather more details," Shipman said.
Columbia University policy prohibits federal agents from entering non-public buildings without a judicial warrant. University officials confirmed they do not allow such entry under normal circumstances.
Quick Facts
- Student Name: Elaina Aghayeva
- University: Columbia University
- Major: Neuroscience and Political Science
- Incident Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
- Detaining Agency: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Mayor Mamdani Intervenes with President Trump
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani played a critical role in securing Aghayeva's release. He met with President Trump on Thursday and raised concerns about the student's detention.
Following their discussion, Mayor Mamdani announced the positive outcome. He shared the news on the social platform X.
"In our meeting earlier, I shared my concerns about Columbia student Elaina Aghayeva, who was detained by ICE this morning. He has just informed me that she will be released imminently," Mamdani wrote.
Aghayeva was indeed released later the same day. This swift resolution followed direct intervention at the highest levels of government.
University Condemns Entry Tactics
Columbia University officials emphasized their concern about how agents gained access. They stated that federal agents misrepresented their reason for being there.
The university's Public Safety department is instructed to contact the Office of the General Counsel if law enforcement seeks entry to non-public areas. This protocol ensures proper legal coordination.
Columbia's acting president reiterated the importance of these procedures. She advised staff not to allow entry or accept warrants without university legal counsel present.
Background on University Policy
Universities often have strict policies regarding access for law enforcement onto campus property, especially non-public areas like residential buildings. These policies aim to protect student privacy and ensure due process. Judicial warrants are typically required for federal agents to enter such spaces.
DHS Explains Visa Termination
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provided its own statement regarding Aghayeva's immigration status. DHS stated that her visa had been terminated several years ago.
According to DHS, Aghayeva's visa was terminated in 2016. This was due to her alleged failure to attend class.
DHS also noted that the building manager and Aghayeva's roommate allowed officers into the apartment. The agency added that Aghayeva had no pending appeals or applications with DHS.
Details on the Detention
The detention of an international student on a university campus raises questions about jurisdiction and protocol. Columbia University maintains that proper procedures were not followed by the federal agents.
The immediate release of Aghayeva suggests a quick resolution to a complex situation. The involvement of high-ranking officials like Mayor Mamdani and President Trump highlights the gravity of the incident.
This event underscores the ongoing discussions around immigration enforcement and the rights of international students in the United States. Universities often act as advocates for their international student populations.
Impact on International Students
The detention of an international student can create significant concern within the university community. International students often face unique challenges related to their visa status and legal rights.
Universities strive to provide a safe and secure environment for all students. Incidents like this can prompt reviews of campus security protocols and legal guidance for international students.
The rapid response from Columbia University and Mayor Mamdani demonstrates a commitment to supporting students facing such legal challenges. This case serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in immigration enforcement on university grounds.
