The Shocking Detention at Columbia University

On February 26, 2026, in the early hours of the morning around 6 a.m., five agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), entered a university-owned residential building at Columbia University in New York City. They detained Elmina 'Ellie' Aghayeva, a 29-year-old graduate student in the School of General Studies (GS) pursuing degrees in neuroscience and politics. Aghayeva, originally from Azerbaijan, had entered the U.S. around 2016 on a student visa that was terminated that same year for failing to attend classes, according to DHS.

The agents allegedly misrepresented themselves as New York Police Department (NYPD) officers searching for a missing child, showing photos to gain entry from the building manager and Aghayeva's roommate. Security footage captured the interaction in the hallway. Columbia's acting president, Claire Shipman, confirmed in a campus-wide email and video that no judicial warrant was presented, calling the entry 'outrageous.' This incident marks the first known DHS detention in Columbia-owned housing since March 2025.

Student Profile and Immediate Aftermath

Aghayeva is a popular content creator on Instagram with over 100,000 followers, sharing tips for international students navigating college life in the U.S. She posted on social media after her release: 'I am safe and okay... DHS illegally arrested me. Please help.' Placed in removal proceedings, she was released hours later pending an immigration hearing.

The rapid detention raised alarms on campus, especially among the university's international student population, which constitutes about 39% of Columbia's total enrollment— one of the highest rates among U.S. peers. For context, Columbia enrolled 13,745 international students in Fall 2024 from 145 countries, predominantly graduate level.

Columbia's Swift Response and Updated Protocols

Acting President Shipman issued immediate guidance: 'Residential staff may not allow law enforcement entry without Public Safety or General Counsel guidance. Judicial warrants or subpoenas are required for non-public areas like dorms.' The university deployed extra Public Safety officers to residences and is providing legal support to Aghayeva. This builds on policies refined after 2025 incidents.

Mathematics professor Michael Thaddeus remarked, 'It's a horrifying sign that the roving eye of the administration is turning back to Columbia.' The response underscores tensions between federal enforcement and campus autonomy.Ivy League institutions like Columbia face unique challenges with high international cohorts.

Campus Protests Erupt in Solidarity

By midday, students and faculty protested outside campus gates on West 116th Street, chanting 'ICE off campus!' and 'Columbia, your hands are red!' This followed a February 25 'ICE Off Campus' rally by Student Workers of Columbia-United Auto Workers demanding sanctuary status. Protests highlighted fears for undocumented and visa-vulnerable peers, echoing 2024 Gaza-related demonstrations.

Groups like Sunrise Movement accused the university of complicity, citing past Public Safety aiding agents. Calls for sanctuary policies—limiting ICE cooperation—intensified nationwide.

Mayoral Intervention Secures Release

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani raised the issue during an unrelated meeting with President Trump, securing a promise for release via phone call. Mamdani advocated for dropping cases against other Columbia affiliates like Mahmoud Khalil. Trump admin confirmed Aghayeva's release pending hearing, disputing ruse claims but not addressing the missing child pretext.

This unusual bipartisan intervention highlights political stakes amid Trump's immigration push.

Past Incidents at Columbia and National Pattern

This is the fourth Columbia affiliate detained since Trump's 2025 return. Mahmoud Khalil (SIPA '24), a pro-Palestinian leader, held 104 days; Yunseo Chung (CC '26) sued over searches. Columbia paid $220M to feds summer 2025 amid probes. Nationally, ICE detention rose 75% to 68,000 by Feb 2026; intl enrollment dropped 17% in 2025, largest non-pandemic decline.

Trump policies include visa revocations (8,000+), consulate pauses, fixed entry durations.Explore Ivy League challenges.

Chilling Effect on International Student Enrollment

U.S. intl enrollment fell 17% new students 2025; total down 1-5% Fall 2025. Columbia steady at 39%, but applications dipped. Experts warn financial hits to universities reliant on intl tuition (Columbia ~40%). Protests, raids traumatize communities, disrupt academics.

Intl students contribute $45B economy, but policies deter talent.Columbia intl stats.

Sanctuary Campus Push Gains Momentum

Over 35 U.S. colleges limit ICE cooperation; calls surge post-incident. DePaul, UCLA, UMD students demand policies: no data sharing, alerts, legal aid. Columbia urged to declare sanctuary amid stalled union talks. Protocols require warrants for non-public areas.

• Judicial vs. administrative warrants
• Contact Public Safety/General Counsel first
• No door-holding for strangers

Expert Perspectives and Stakeholder Views

Prof. Thaddeus: 'Like authoritarian regimes.' Unions, AAUP sue Trump. DHS defends: verbal ID, permission given. Immigration lawyers note ruses legal sans warrant. Higher ed leaders fear enrollment cliffs, research losses. Balanced views: enforce laws but protect education access.Career advice for intl academics.

Implications for U.S. Higher Education

Raids disrupt attendance, traumatize; sanctuary policies mitigate. Trump's 'catch and revoke' deters applicants. Universities advise visa compliance, legal consults. Future: lawsuits, enrollment shifts to Canada/Australia.

Actionable Insights and Solutions

For universities: Adopt sanctuary protocols, train staff, boost legal resources. Students: Verify visa status via career advice, report sightings. Explore higher ed jobs resilient to policies. Positive: Compliance strengthens intl pipelines.

Photo by Sean Lee on Unsplash

Looking Ahead: Balancing Enforcement and Education

Aghayeva's case spotlights clashes; expect more debates, reforms. Columbia's response sets model. Amid 17% enrollment drop, U.S. higher ed must adapt. Check Rate My Professor for campus vibes, higher-ed-jobs for opportunities, higher-ed-career-advice for navigation tips. Stay informed, compliant.University jobs await skilled talent.