Columbia University says US immigration agents lied to detain student | Donald Trump News
Columbia University Condemns Federal Agents for Misrepresentation During Student Detention
Columbia University in New York has faced widespread criticism after alleging that federal immigration enforcement agents misrepresented their intentions to gain access to a residential building and detain a student.
Acting President Claire Shipman stated that agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) entered the premises around 6:30 a.m. Thursday. She noted that the agents claimed they were searching for a “missing person,” an assertion the university disputes.
“Our understanding at this time is that federal agents made misrepresentations to gain entry,” Shipman said. “All law enforcement must possess a judicial warrant or subpoena to access non-public areas of the University, including housing and classrooms, which require identification for entry.”
Shipman emphasized that an administrative warrant—such as those commonly used by DHS to conduct searches for undocumented immigrants—does not meet legal requirements for access, a practice that rights groups have criticized as illegal.
The detained student has not been officially named by the university, but the Columbia Spectator reported that Elaina Aghayeva, a neuroscience researcher, is believed to be the individual involved.
Shortly after, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that he had discussed the matter with President Donald Trump, tweeting that Aghayeva would be released “imminently.”
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a DHS agency, confirmed Aghayeva’s identity but did not provide further details in response to an inquiry from Al Jazeera. The agency stated that Aghayeva’s student visa was terminated in 2016 “for failing to attend classes.” They also asserted that building management and her roommate permitted officers into the apartment.
The incident drew protests on the Columbia campus, which recently witnessed significant demonstrations related to pro-Palestine advocacy. Aghayeva reportedly communicated with fellow students in a group chat, stating, “DHS illegally arrested me. Please help,” and urged them to intervene.
The Trump administration has actively pursued immigrant students as part of its deportation efforts, engaging some in what immigration advocates describe as increasingly aggressive tactics to meet detention quotas.
Following Trump’s return to office in January 2025, his administration has targeted several Columbia students for their pro-Palestine activism. Aghayeva’s case marks the first detention involving a Columbia affiliate at a university property since similar incidents earlier this year.
In June, Columbia University entered into an agreement with the Trump administration after a threat to withhold $1.3 billion in funding over its handling of protests and other related issues, a move that drew allegations of compromising academic freedom.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul joined others in condemning the actions of immigration agents, stating on social media, “ICE agents didn’t have the proper warrant, so they lied to gain access to a student’s private residence.” She called for legislative action to prohibit ICE from entering sensitive locations such as schools and dormitories.
Representative Jerry Nadler, a Democrat, also criticized ICE, describing their actions as “terrorizing our neighbors and ripping students from their homes.” He assured constituents that efforts were underway to assist Aghayeva’s return.
