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Governor Hochul Slams ICE Over Student Detention, Refugee Death

3/1/2026

Center

Hochul Critiques ICE

Kathy Hochul, the governor of New York, criticized ICE for detaining Columbia University student Elmina Aghayeva after misrepresenting their purpose.
Hochul also highlighted the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a blind refugee left alone by authorities.
Columbia University's acting president condemned the agents' actions in Aghayeva's detention.
A federal judge in Chicago ordered the release of dozens of immigrants detained without warrants, citing violations of consent decrees.

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Advocates Demand Reform

The Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas faces scrutiny over its treatment of detained immigrant families.
Advocacy groups report increasing medical emergencies among detainees, including the 18-month-old Amalia who was hospitalized for respiratory issues after detention.
Critics, including legal representatives, argue that conditions are inhumane and call for the release of families.

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Hochul Critiques ICE

Kathy Hochul, the governor of New York, criticized ICE for detaining Columbia University student Elmina Aghayeva after misrepresenting their purpose.
Hochul also highlighted the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a blind refugee left alone by authorities.
Columbia University's acting president condemned the agents' actions in Aghayeva's detention.
A federal judge in Chicago ordered the release of dozens of immigrants detained without warrants, citing violations of consent decrees.

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