The Shocking Detention of a Columbia University Student

On the morning of February 26, 2026, a routine day at Columbia University turned into a nightmare for senior Elmina 'Ellie' Aghayeva when federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) entered her university-owned residence hall. Around 6 a.m., five agents approached the building, reportedly showing pictures of an alleged missing child to gain entry from the building manager and Aghayeva's roommate. Once inside, they targeted her apartment, identifying themselves as Homeland Security Investigators with visible badges, and took her into custody without presenting a judicial warrant or subpoena.

Aghayeva, an international student from Azerbaijan double-majoring in neuroscience and political science, had her F-1 student visa terminated back in 2016 due to failing to attend classes—a common issue that can lead to revocation under U.S. immigration rules enforced by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Despite this long-standing violation, she had continued her studies at one of the nation's premier Ivy League institutions until this abrupt enforcement action.

The incident unfolded rapidly: security cameras captured the agents in the hallway, and Aghayeva was detained and transported for removal proceedings. Hours later, she was released pending her immigration hearing, thanks to an extraordinary political intervention that highlighted the high stakes involved.

University Leadership Responds Swiftly

Columbia's acting president, Claire Shipman, issued a video statement and email to the community condemning the agents' tactics as 'misrepresentations' to access non-public university property. Shipman emphasized that federal law enforcement, including ICE, must provide a judicial warrant or subpoena to enter areas like residence halls, classrooms, or offices. The university immediately bolstered public safety patrols around residential buildings and reminded staff: 'Do not allow DHS/ICE agents into non-public areas without proper documentation.'

This response aligns with Columbia's longstanding protocol for ICE visits, outlined on their public safety website, which requires verification of legal authority before granting access. The policy stems from years of navigating immigration enforcement amid a large international student population—Columbia hosts thousands of F-1 and J-1 visa holders who contribute significantly to campus diversity and research output.

In the aftermath, Columbia pledged legal support for Aghayeva, contacted her family, and expressed relief at her release. This proactive stance underscores how U.S. universities are adapting to heightened immigration scrutiny, balancing compliance with protecting their students' rights.

Political Intervention Leads to Rapid Release

The swift turnaround in Aghayeva's case was facilitated by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who raised her detention during a White House meeting with President Donald Trump. While discussing housing initiatives, Mamdani advocated for her release and other detained students. Trump reportedly agreed, calling Mamdani to confirm Aghayeva would be freed imminently. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin confirmed she was released while awaiting her hearing, disputing claims of posing as police but silent on the missing child pretext.

Aghayeva, a social media influencer with over 100,000 Instagram followers sharing college life tips, posted updates during the ordeal. Her initial plea—“DHS illegally arrested me. Please help”—with a photo from a vehicle backseat, went viral, amplifying calls for transparency. Post-release, she shared: 'I am safe and okay... in complete shock,' deleting earlier posts amid the resolution.

This high-level involvement illustrates the intersection of local politics, federal enforcement, and higher education, where a single student's plight can reach the Oval Office.

Campus Protests Erupt in Solidarity

The detention sparked immediate protests at Columbia, with students and faculty gathering to decry what they called a 'campus raid.' Mathematics professor Michael Thaddeus, vice president of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) chapter, labeled it 'horrifying,' likening it to authoritarian tactics. Demonstrators demanded stronger protections for international students, echoing concerns from prior incidents.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Rep. Jerry Nadler, and Assemblymember Micah Lasher voiced outrage, with Hochul proposing legislation to bar ICE from schools and dorms without warrants. Rep. Adriano Espaillat urged enhanced university safeguards. These reactions highlight growing tensions between immigration enforcement and academic freedom on U.S. campuses.

A Pattern of ICE Actions Targeting Campuses

Aghayeva's case is not isolated. Since the Trump administration's renewed focus on immigration in 2025, ICE has ramped up enforcement against international students with visa irregularities. Notable examples include:

• Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate student and Palestinian activist detained in March 2025 from his apartment, spending over 100 days in custody without charges; his deportation fight continues.
• Rümeysa Öztürk, Tufts Ph.D. student arrested in March 2025 and released by court order after transfer to Louisiana.
• University of Minnesota graduate student from Turkey detained in March 2025.
• Two Iranian-born LSU students released by judge in July 2025.
• Over 1,100 students at 174 institutions had visas revoked or status terminated by April 2025, many winning court challenges.

Attorneys note ICE's evolving tactics, like administrative warrants or disguises (e.g., utility workers), which skirt traditional raid protocols. While legal in many cases, they alarm university administrators tasked with student safety.NPR detailed this shift in enforcement strategies.

Declining International Enrollment Amid Policy Pressures

U.S. higher education relies heavily on international students, who comprised 6% of enrollment in 2025-26 (about 1.2 million total). Yet, new first-year enrollments dropped 17% in fall 2025, arrivals fell 19-28% in summer 2025, and overall enrollment declined 1%—the first annual drop in years. Visa delays, denials, and fears of enforcement under Trump policies are key culprits, per surveys of 800+ institutions.

Graduate programs saw 15% drops, hitting STEM fields hard where F-1 students fill critical research roles. Universities project $1 billion in lost revenue, prompting deferrals (72% offered to spring 2026) and recruitment pivots to friendlier destinations like Canada or Australia.

Columbia, with its global prestige, feels this acutely: international students bolster endowments via tuition (often full-pay) and innovation. Ongoing clashes risk long-term reputational damage.CNN analysis links these trends to policy impacts.

Legal Landscape and Student Rights on Campus

F-1 visas require full-time enrollment and reporting changes; violations trigger USCIS termination, opening ICE removal proceedings. Universities must report SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) issues but aren't immigration enforcers. Protocols like Columbia's protect non-public spaces under the Fourth Amendment.

Courts have intervened: judges blocked deportations for 18 students in 2025, restored records for University of Iowa cases, and released Tufts' Öztürk. Organizations like Amnesty International decry ICE in schools as chilling free speech, especially amid protest-linked detentions.

Students can seek reinstatement via USCIS Form I-539, but success rates are low without strong cause. Legal aid from university international offices is crucial.

University Strategies to Safeguard International Students

Proactive institutions are:

• Enhancing SEVIS compliance training for advisors.
• Partnering with immigration lawyers for rapid response teams.
• Offering visa workshops and mental health support amid enforcement fears.
• Lobbying via associations like NAFSA: Association of International Educators for policy reform.

Columbia's post-incident patrols and communications exemplify this. Experts recommend anonymous reporting apps for sightings and faculty advocacy training.Columbia's FAQ on ICE visits provides practical guidance.

Expert Perspectives on Higher Ed Immigration Challenges

Immigration attorneys warn of 'chilling effects' on activism and enrollment. Professors like Thaddeus fear eroded trust in campuses as safe havens. NAFSA reports 60% of colleges saw new intl declines, urging visa processing reforms.

Economists highlight losses: intl students contribute $45 billion annually, funding scholarships and jobs. Under Trump's mandates, like foreign donor disclosures, universities face compliance burdens diverting resources from education.

Photo by David Restrepo on Unsplash

Future Outlook and Actionable Advice

With 2026 enrollment cycles looming, expect continued volatility. Universities may diversify recruitment, while students should maintain impeccable SEVIS records, document attendance, and know rights: demand warrants, contact advisors immediately.

For aspiring intl scholars, monitor policy via State Department sites and consider backups. Higher ed leaders call for congressional fixes to streamline visas, protecting America's innovation edge.

Aghayeva's release offers hope, but systemic changes are needed to prevent future traumas on campus.