Columbia Student Arrested by Federal Immigration Agents

Ellie Aghayeva, a senior at Columbia University from Azerbaijan, studying neuroscience and political science, was arrested by federal immigration agents early Thursday. Her attorneys and the university president stated that agents gained entry to her campus residence by claiming to search for a "missing person."

Arrest Details

Agents from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) entered Aghayeva's university-owned apartment in Manhattan around 6:30 a.m. She later posted a message to social media around 7 a.m. stating:

"DHS illegally arrested me. Please help."

This message was accompanied by a photo appearing to show the backseat of a vehicle. Following the arrest, she was transferred to a federal detention center in Lower Manhattan.

Legal Actions and Status

Her attorneys filed an emergency petition on Thursday, requesting her immediate release. The petition states that agents did not possess a warrant for her arrest and that no reason was provided for the detention. Aghayeva reportedly entered the United States on a visa in 2016.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not respond to inquiries regarding the arrest or Aghayeva's legal status.

University Response

Columbia University's acting president, Claire Shipman, confirmed the entry of federal agents into a residential building under the pretense of a missing person search. The university stated it is contacting Aghayeva's family and providing legal support.

The university also reiterated its policy:

University policy requires law enforcement to have a judicial warrant or subpoena to access non-public areas, including housing.

Shipman advised students not to permit law enforcement into non-public areas or accept warrants directly, instead directing them to contact campus public safety.

Broader Enforcement Context

Attorneys report that immigration authorities have increasingly used misrepresentation tactics, such as posing as service employees, a practice that is generally considered legal. This incident follows another event nearly a year prior, where federal agents detained Mahmoud Khalil, then a Columbia graduate student, within his university housing. Khalil is currently out on bail while contesting deportation.