Dismissal of Charges Against Columbia Student Ellie Aghayeva Following Controversial ICE Detention

Ellie Aghayeva, a senior at Columbia University, was detained by agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on February 26, 2026, in her university-owned apartment. The agents allegedly misrepresented themselves as police officers searching for a missing child to gain entry into the building. Aghayeva's detention sparked significant outrage and protests within the university community and beyond. Following intervention from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who discussed the situation with President Donald Trump, federal charges against Aghayeva were dismissed by a federal judge, who ruled that the case had become "moot" since she had been released shortly after her arrest.

NBCNewYork.comCNNNew York MagazineDemocracy NowNew York Times

The legality of the agents' actions has been called into question. Columbia's acting president, Claire Shipman, stated that the agents entered the building without a warrant, which is against university protocol. Federal agents are required to have a judicial warrant to access non-public areas of campus, including residence halls. Shipman emphasized that all law enforcement agencies must adhere to established legal and ethical standards, stating, “This was a frightening and fast-moving situation and utterly unacceptable for our students and staff.”

Spectrum News NY1

Aghayeva, originally from Azerbaijan, is double majoring in neuroscience and political science. She has a substantial social media presence, where she shares insights into her life as a student. According to DHS, her student visa was terminated in 2016 for failing to attend classes, and she was placed in removal proceedings. However, Aghayeva's attorneys have not provided detailed comments regarding her immigration status.

CNN

The incident has led to widespread condemnation from various political figures and community members. New York Governor Kathy Hochul described the actions of the ICE agents as a "gross abuse of power," while Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler expressed being "disgusted and outraged" by the situation. Many students and faculty at Columbia have called for increased protections for international students, particularly in light of previous detentions of students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, such as Mahmoud Khalil.

CNN

In a statement, DHS confirmed Aghayeva's arrest but disputed allegations that agents posed as police officers. They maintained that the agents identified themselves as DHS officials and did not claim to be NYPD. Mayor Mamdani, after his meeting with Trump, stated, “I shared my concerns as part of my longstanding belief that ICE raids are not only cruel – they also do nothing to advance the cause of public safety.”

CNN

While Aghayeva's charges have been dismissed, it remains unclear whether her deportation case will proceed. DHS has indicated that she is still in removal proceedings, raising questions about her future status in the U.S. Additionally, the circumstances surrounding her visa termination and the specifics of her immigration status remain ambiguous, as inquiries to Columbia University regarding her enrollment were not returned.

NBCNewYork.com

• “This was a frightening and fast-moving situation and utterly unacceptable for our students and staff,” — Claire Shipman, Acting President, Columbia University

CNN

• “Entering a student dorm under false pretenses is a gross abuse of power,” — Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

CNN

• “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,” — Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

CNN

• “I am safe and okay,” — Ellie Aghayeva, Columbia University Student

NBCNewYork.com

The incident involving Ellie Aghayeva highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement practices and the rights of students on college campuses, raising critical questions about the balance between law enforcement and individual rights.

CNN