New York, NY – A Columbia University student was briefly detained by federal immigration agents on Thursday, sparking protests on campus and raising questions about the tactics used to gain access to university property. The student, identified as Elmina “Ellie” Aghayeva, was released hours later following intervention from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who reportedly spoke with former President Donald Trump.
The incident unfolded early Thursday morning when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents entered a Columbia University residence hall posing as investigators searching for a “missing person,” according to Columbia University President Minouche Shafik. Agents then detained Aghayeva in her apartment. The university condemned the agents’ actions, stating they misrepresented themselves to gain entry. The Columbia Spectator first reported the arrest.
ICE Tactics and University Response
The method used by ICE to enter the residence hall has drawn criticism. University officials expressed concern over the deception employed by the agents. “We are deeply concerned by the reports that federal immigration agents misrepresented themselves to gain access to our campus and detain a student,” Shafik said in a statement. The university is reviewing its security protocols in light of the incident.
The situation quickly escalated as students organized a protest on campus, demanding Aghayeva’s release and calling for an end to what they described as intimidation tactics by ICE. Demonstrators gathered on the front steps of Low Memorial Library, expressing solidarity with the detained student.
Mayor Mamdani’s Intervention and Trump’s Role
Mayor Mamdani swiftly responded to the situation, contacting former President Trump to advocate for Aghayeva’s release. According to Mamdani, Trump agreed to immediately release the student. The Associated Press reported that Mamdani expressed concerns about the arrest to Trump, leading to the student’s release. The details of the conversation between Mamdani and Trump have not been fully disclosed.
This incident marks a rare instance of direct intervention by a local mayor with a former president regarding an ICE detention. It also highlights the complex relationship between local authorities, federal immigration enforcement, and university campuses.
Details on the Detained Student
While details surrounding Aghayeva’s immigration status remain limited, the incident has reignited debate about ICE’s enforcement practices and their impact on students and academic institutions. Further information regarding the reasons for Aghayeva’s initial detention has not been publicly released.
The Columbia Spectator reported that Aghayeva was detained by federal agents. The New York Times also covered the story, reporting on the release of the student after the meeting between Mamdani, and Trump.
Looking Ahead
Columbia University officials have stated they are investigating the incident and will function to ensure the safety and security of all students on campus. The university is expected to provide further updates on its security review in the coming days. The next steps for Aghayeva remain unclear, but the incident is likely to fuel ongoing discussions about immigration enforcement and campus safety.
This represents a developing story. Readers can locate updates on the Columbia University website and through local news sources. Share your thoughts and reactions to this story in the comments below.
