Full Breakdown
Columbia University Student Detained by ICE and Released After Mayor's Intervention
2/28/2026, 10:25:24 PM
Incident Overview: Detention of Ellie Aghayeva
On February 26, 2026, Ellie Aghayeva, a 29-year-old neuroscience and political science student at Columbia University, was detained by agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at approximately 6:30 a.m. in her university-owned apartment. The agents allegedly misrepresented themselves as police officers searching for a missing child to gain access to the building, as confirmed by Columbia's acting president, Claire Shipman. Aghayeva's detention sparked immediate outrage and protests on campus, leading to a swift political response.
Political Intervention and Release
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who was in Washington for a meeting with President Donald Trump, raised Aghayeva's case during their discussion. Shortly after their meeting, Mamdani announced on social media that Trump had assured him Aghayeva would be released "imminently." Aghayeva confirmed her release later that day via Instagram, stating, "I just got out a little while ago. I am safe and okay."
Details of the Detention
Columbia University officials reported that the ICE agents entered the residential building without a warrant, relying on false pretenses to access Aghayeva's apartment. Shipman stated that security cameras captured the agents showing pictures of the alleged missing child to gain entry. Once inside, they failed to produce a warrant despite requests from a university public safety officer. Shipman described the situation as "frightening and fast-moving," emphasizing that such actions were "utterly unacceptable" for students and staff.
Official Responses and Criticism
The incident drew widespread condemnation from various officials and advocacy groups. New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized ICE for its actions, stating, "Let’s be clear about what happened: ICE agents didn’t have the proper warrant, so they lied to gain access to a student’s private residence." She has proposed legislation to prevent ICE from entering sensitive locations like schools and dormitories.
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal and City Council Speaker Julie Menin also condemned the actions of ICE agents, with Hoylman-Sigal asserting that the agents had used a "phony missing persons bulletin" to deceive campus security. Menin echoed similar sentiments, stating that ICE's activities do not enhance safety but rather foster mistrust.
Context and Implications
Aghayeva's detention is part of a broader pattern of immigration enforcement actions targeting students at Columbia University, particularly those involved in pro-Palestinian activism. This incident follows the earlier detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student who was held for over three months in 2025. The university has faced scrutiny and pressure from the Trump administration regarding its handling of immigration issues and student protests.
In response to the incident, Columbia University announced new protocols to enhance student safety, including increased public safety patrols and stricter guidelines for law enforcement access to campus facilities. The university reiterated that all law enforcement agents must have a judicial warrant to access non-public areas.
Conclusion
The swift release of Ellie Aghayeva following Mayor Mamdani's intervention highlights the complexities of immigration enforcement on college campuses and the political dynamics surrounding such incidents. As the university community continues to grapple with the implications of this event, calls for stronger protections for students and a reevaluation of immigration enforcement practices are likely to persist.
