Columbia University Student Detained by ICE After Agents Allegedly ‘Made Misrepresentations’ to Campus Security

**Columbia University Student Detained by Immigration Officials Amid Allegations of Misrepresentation**

Federal immigration agents have detained a Columbia University student in an incident that has raised significant concerns about the practices used to gain entry to her residence. Ellie Aghayeva, a neuroscience researcher originally from Azerbaijan and anticipated to graduate soon, was taken into custody early Thursday morning.

According to statements from the university, acting President Claire Shipman reported that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents initiated the detention at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Thursday. “We understand that federal agents made misrepresentations to access the building while searching for a ‘missing person,'” she noted in a communication to the Columbia community. Despite the absence of an official identification in Shipman’s message, the Columbia Spectator, the university’s primary student publication, confirmed that the detained student is Aghayeva.

This incident comes on the heels of a similar situation last year involving Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent figure in campus protests advocating for pro-Palestinian causes. The university’s concerns are compounded by Aghayeva’s claims on social media, whereby she stated that “DHS illegally arrested me. Please help.”

A spokesperson for the DHS later commented on the situation, asserting that Aghayeva’s student visa had been revoked due to non-attendance in classes as far back as 2016. Moreover, they contended that the building manager and Aghayeva’s roommate had granted the agents access to the apartment.

Shipman further explained in her message that federal officials are generally prohibited from entering non-public areas of the university without a judicial warrant. A spokesperson for the DHS did not confirm whether a valid warrant had been presented during this encounter. New York Governor Kathy Hochul weighed in on social media, alleging that the immigration agents did not possess the appropriate documentation to enter the private residence. “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 stated.

In response to Aghayeva’s detention, students and faculty mobilised swiftly, organising an “emergency rally” on campus to voice their dissent. The Columbia community is expressing concern not only for Aghayeva but also for the ongoing treatment of students at risk of deportation, which has become an increasingly pressing issue at the university.

Aghayeva’s situation has mirrored the experiences of other students, such as Khalil and fellow student Mohsen Mahdawi, both of whom are Green Card holders and heavily involved in pro-Palestinian activism. Khalil experienced three months of detention without formal charges, during which he missed the birth of his child. Although both individuals were eventually released, a judge later ruled that the federal government had violated their constitutional rights during the process.

While Mahdawi’s case has since been dropped, Homeland Security has indicated intentions to deport Khalil again, despite prior legal findings that had mandated his release. This trend highlights growing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement actions, particularly within academic environments where students are often engaged in political discourse and activism.

Columbia University’s leadership has expressed a commitment to supporting all students, particularly those facing the threat of deportation. The university community remains vigilant and mobilised, calling for clarity and accountability from immigration authorities amid concerns regarding the rights of students and adherence to due process.

As Aghayeva’s situation continues to unfold, the incident has ignited discussions on campus about the interplay between immigration policy and educational institutions, as well as the ethical implications of such detentions on the lives and futures of students. The case will likely serve as a focal point for advocacy efforts aimed at reforming immigration enforcement practices within academic settings.

Columbia University and its leadership are working to gather further information and support Aghayeva and other students, as well as addressing the larger implications of this incident for students’ rights and safety in their pursuit of education.