Columbia University Student’s Arrest Sparks Controversy and Rapid Political Intervention
A Columbia University student faced an unexpected arrest by federal immigration agents, leading to protests and a swift political response. The incident has raised questions about immigration enforcement tactics and political influence.
Federal authorities detained Ellie Aghayeva, a senior from Azerbaijan studying neuroscience and politics, early Thursday. The arrest occurred at a university-owned residence, allegedly under false pretenses. Hours later, following intervention from President Donald Trump, she was released.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani highlighted the situation in a social media post, noting his discussion with Trump during an unrelated meeting. “I am safe and okay,” Aghayeva shared on Instagram, expressing “complete shock” from the ordeal.
This incident illustrates a rare moment of collaboration between Mamdani, a democratic socialist, and Trump, despite past political tensions. The Republican president had previously threatened to deport Mamdani and defund New York City if Mamdani were elected mayor.
During discussions with Trump about a housing project, Mamdani also urged the president to dismiss cases against several students involved in protests against Israel. Although Aghayeva had not been linked to these demonstrations, her arrest drew significant attention.
Aghayeva, known as a content creator with a substantial following, used social media to alert her followers: “DHS illegally arrested me. Please help.” Her lawyers filed a petition alleging that agents entered her residence by claiming to search for a missing person.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Aghayeva’s student visa had been revoked in 2016 due to class attendance issues. However, Columbia University did not provide details regarding her visa status or enrollment duration.
Tricia McLaughlin, a DHS spokesperson, refuted claims that agents posed as New York City police officers. However, she did not confirm whether they used the pretense of searching for a missing person.
Disguises and misrepresentations by immigration agents have become more prevalent, raising concerns about enforcement tactics under the Trump administration. This arrest marks the first federal action against Columbia since the university’s $220 million settlement with the administration over the summer.
Michael Thaddeus, a Columbia professor, criticized the government’s actions: “The idea that secret police would abduct and imprison students in our midst is something we’d expect from an authoritarian regime.”
Following Aghayeva’s arrest, Columbia’s acting president, Claire Shipman, reminded staff not to allow federal law enforcement into university buildings without a warrant. “If you encounter or observe DHS/ICE agents conducting enforcement activities on or near campus, immediately contact Public Safety,” Shipman advised in an email to the university community.
The situation has prompted calls for increased protection of international students, echoing sentiments from a similar case involving Mahmoud Khalil, a former graduate student and activist, whose deportation proceedings are ongoing.
