A Columbia University student was arrested early Thursday (Feb. 26) by federal immigration agents who allegedly entered her residence claiming to be searching for a “missing person,” according to her lawyers and the university.
Student Ellie Aghayeva is from Azerbaijan and studies neuroscience and political science. Her lawyers said she entered the United States on a visa in 2016.
Entrance to campus housing
In an emergency petition filed Thursday, Aghajeva’s lawyers said agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement entered her university apartment in Manhattan early that morning.
The petition says the agents did not have a warrant and “stated they were looking for a missing person to get in.”
“No reason was given for her arrest,” the filing said, adding that she was later taken to the Federal Detention Center in Lower Manhattan.
Her lawyers asked for her immediate release.
Social media post
Around 7 a.m., Aghayeva posted a message to her more than 100,000 Instagram followers.
“DHS illegally arrested me. Please help,” she wrote, referring to the United States Department of Homeland Security.
The back seat of the vehicle appeared in the photo accompanying the post.
University response
In an email shared with students and staff, Columbia Acting President Claire Shipman said federal agents entered the apartment building around 6:30 a.m. claiming to be searching for a missing person.
She said the university is reaching out to the student’s family and providing legal support.
Shipman also reminded the university community of university policy, saying students should not let law enforcement into non-public areas and should contact campus public safety if approached.
Concerns about enforcement tactics
The case drew attention amid reports of federal immigration agents in some cases using disguises or false information to gain access. Immigration lawyers say such tactics are becoming more common, raising concerns about enforcement practices.
The incident comes nearly a year after the arrest of former Columbia graduate student and Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, who was arrested at the university’s residence and is currently out on bail while he fights deportation proceedings.
Campus policy regarding law enforcement access
Columbia currently requires law enforcement agents to present a warrant or subpoena to enter non-public areas of the university, including housing.
University officials said they are reviewing the situation and continuing to coordinate support for the student and her family.
