Ellie Aghayeva, a Columbia University student who was detained by federal immigration authorities Thursday morning, was suddenly released hours later. She was reportedly fired following the apparent intervention of US President Donald Trump, who met with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani
ICE agents allegedly gained access to a university-owned residence by posing as police officers searching for a missing child. This sparked massive protests on campus.
Who is Ellie Aghayeva?
Ellie Aghayeva aka Elmina Aghayeva is a senior from Azerbaijan studying neuroscience and politics at Columbia University. A self-proclaimed content creator, she has amassed a large following on social media by sharing daily videos and tips for navigating college as an immigrant.
She has not been publicly linked to any of the pro-Palestinian demonstrations that have swept the Columbia campus.
Aghayeva alerted more than 100,000 of her Instagram followers to her arrest. “DHS illegally arrested me. Please help,” she wrote in the story along with a photo showing her legs in the backseat of a vehicle.
Screenshot of her IG story (Photo Credit: X)
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said that Aghayev’s student visa was revoked in 2016 for not attending classes.
What happened:
Five federal agents entered Aghajeva’s apartment at 6 a.m. Thursday, claiming to be searching for a missing child, according to a petition by her lawyers and a statement issued by Columbia Acting President Claire Shipman.
“Agents came in when they said police were looking for a missing child,” Shipman said in a video released Thursday night. “Security cameras captured the agents in the hallway showing images of the alleged missing child.”
Aghayev’s lawyers said in their petition that she entered the country on a visa in or around 2016.
DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said Aghajeva was placed in removal proceedings and “released pending her hearing.”
She disputed allegations that the agents were impersonating New York City police officers, but did not respond to questions about whether they claimed to be looking for a missing child.
Mamdani’s intervention
In a social media post Thursday afternoon, Mamdani said he raised concerns about the arrest during an unrelated meeting with Trump, who then agreed to her immediate release.
On Thursday, while pitching Trump to the massive housing project, Mamdani also called on the president to drop charges against several other current and former students facing deportation for their roles in anti-Israel protests.
Federal agents are not allowed on the University without a summons
In an email to the Columbia community, Claire Shipman said residential staff were reminded not to allow federal law enforcement into university buildings without a summons or warrant.
“If you encounter or observe DHS/ICE agents conducting law enforcement activities on or near campus, please contact Public Safety immediately,” the acting president wrote.
“Do not allow them to enter non-public areas or accept service of a court order or subpoena.”
