Columbia Student Released from ICE Detention Amid Political Tensions
By John Nada·Feb 26, 2026·4 min read
Columbia University student Elmina Aghayeva was released from ICE detention following intervention from political leaders, raising concerns about immigration enforcement tactics.
Elmina Aghayeva, a Columbia University student, was released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention after a meeting between President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The confirmation of her release came from Columbia University, which highlighted concerns about the legitimacy of ICE's actions during the detainment. Aghayeva, originally from Azerbaijan, had her student visa terminated by the Obama administration in 2016, leading to her detention by federal agents. Her situation raises critical questions about the treatment of international students in the U.S.
and the implications of changing immigration policies over the years. The Department of Homeland Security indicated that Aghayeva had no pending appeals or applications with them, leaving her vulnerable to enforcement actions. This case, while specific, reflects a broader trend affecting many students from diverse backgrounds who find themselves at the mercy of shifting political landscapes. Reports suggest that ICE misrepresented itself to gain entry into her apartment by using a false missing persons bulletin related to a five-year-old girl, a tactic criticized by Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal.
Hoylman-Sigal's condemnation of ICE's actions underscores the ethical concerns surrounding immigration enforcement tactics. The use of deception to enter private residences not only raises legal questions but also sparks debates about civil liberties and the rights of individuals living in the U.S., particularly those on student visas. This incident occurs in a broader context of escalating tensions surrounding immigration policies under the Trump administration. The political climate has intensified scrutiny of institutions like Columbia University, which has faced criticism over its compliance with federal regulations.
The university's handling of Aghayeva's case exemplifies the precarious balance educational institutions must strike between supporting their students and adhering to federal immigration laws. Mamdani's announcement of Aghayeva's imminent release followed a significant intervention by President Trump, highlighting the intricate relationship between local governance and federal immigration enforcement. The dynamics at play here illustrate how political leaders can influence individual cases, reflecting a landscape where personal fates are often intertwined with broader political agendas. The fact that Mamdani communicated directly with Trump to facilitate her release speaks to the urgency and seriousness of the situation.
Columbia University confirmed the release through a tweet shortly after 4:15 p.m. ET, illustrating the institution's commitment to keeping its community informed while managing the fallout of such a high-profile incident. Claire Shipman, the school's acting president, noted that Aghayeva was taken from a university-owned residential building around 6:30 a.m. She emphasized that federal agents made misrepresentations to gain entry to the building, raising alarms about the methods employed by immigration officials.
Shipman's email further clarified that all law enforcement agents require a judicial warrant or subpoena to enter housing and other non-public campus areas, reinforcing the university's stance on the necessity of due process. The implications of such detentions extend beyond individual cases, reflecting a growing concern about civil liberties and institutional integrity amidst a polarized political landscape. As the Trump administration's focus on immigration became a national flashpoint, Aghayeva's detention served as a stark reminder of the potential consequences faced by international students. The backlash against the White House's immigration strategies has been severe, especially following incidents where immigration officials were involved in controversial actions, including the deaths of U.S.
citizens by immigration enforcement in Minnesota earlier this year. Columbia University has been in the White House's crosshairs since Trump returned to office last year. The Education Department indicated that the Ivy League school did not meet its accreditation standards due to alleged violations of federal antidiscrimination laws. This scrutiny adds another layer of complexity to the university’s relationship with federal authorities and raises questions about the potential chilling effect on students from marginalized communities who may fear deportation or detention.
In response to the federal government's actions, Columbia has had to navigate a treacherous path, balancing its mission as an educational institution with compliance to federal mandates. Aghayeva's case is not an isolated incident; for example, Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil was released after months in ICE detention last year, illustrating a pattern that reveals the challenges faced by immigrant students. As the political landscape continues to shift, the experiences of students like Aghayeva will likely remain at the forefront of immigration discussions. The intersection of education, immigration enforcement, and political agendas poses significant challenges, requiring ongoing dialogue and advocacy to protect the rights of students across the nation.
This case serves as a catalyst for broader conversations about the future of immigration policy in the U.S. and the essential role of educational institutions in supporting their diverse student populations. The White House referred CNBC to DHS when contacted for comment before Mamdani's announcement of the release, indicating a strategic distancing from the situation as it unfolded.