Columbia Student Detained by ICE on Campus Released After Mayoral and Presidential Intervention

Ellie Aghayeva, a senior at Columbia University from Azerbaijan studying neuroscience and political science, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who entered her campus residence claiming to search for a missing person. The agents reportedly lacked a warrant and did not provide a reason for the arrest. Aghayeva's student visa was reportedly terminated in 2016 for failing to attend classes. Following protests and intervention by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who raised the issue with President Donald Trump, Aghayeva was released hours later. The university condemned the agents' entry tactics and is providing legal support to the student.