🚨 The Shocking Detention of a Columbia University Student

On February 26, 2026, at approximately 6:30 a.m., a routine morning at Columbia University's residential building in New York City turned into a nightmare for senior student Elmina 'Ellie' Aghayeva. Federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), specifically Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), entered the university-owned apartment complex and detained the 29-year-old international student from Azerbaijan. What followed was a rapid sequence of events: protests erupted on campus, political figures intervened at the highest levels, and Aghayeva was released just hours later. This incident has reignited debates about immigration enforcement on college campuses, the vulnerabilities of international students, and the balance between national security and educational access.

Aghayeva, a double major in neuroscience and political science set to graduate in May 2026, was living in university housing when plainclothes agents arrived. According to Columbia's acting president, Claire Shipman, the agents allegedly misrepresented themselves to the building superintendent, claiming they were from the New York Police Department (NYPD) searching for a missing child and even showing pictures to support their story. This allowed them entry into the building and, subsequently, Aghayeva's apartment after her roommate permitted access. A public safety officer who arrived on the scene repeatedly requested a judicial warrant—which was not provided—and was denied time to contact a supervisor. The agents proceeded with the detention, handcuffing Aghayeva and removing her from the premises.

The event unfolded amid heightened immigration scrutiny under the Trump administration's policies, which emphasize stricter enforcement against visa overstays and violations. For international students, who number over one million in the U.S. higher education system, such encounters underscore the precarious nature of nonimmigrant visas like the F-1 student visa (Foreign Student visa). These visas require full-time enrollment, limited off-campus work, and prompt reporting of address changes, with violations potentially leading to termination and deportation proceedings.

Who Is Ellie Aghayeva? A Rising Influencer and Dedicated Scholar

Far from the typical profile associated with immigration enforcement, Ellie Aghayeva stands out as a high-achieving student and social media influencer. With over 200,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok, she shares content on productivity hacks, study routines, and her personal journey as an immigrant pursuing higher education in the U.S. Friends describe her as 'highly motivated, extremely intelligent, academically accomplished, and very funny,' involved in student organizations and on track for graduation.

Born in Azerbaijan, Aghayeva arrived in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, but DHS records indicate it was terminated in 2016 during the Obama administration for failing to maintain enrollment status—specifically, not attending classes as required. Despite this decade-old issue, she continued her studies at Columbia, one of the Ivy League institutions renowned for attracting global talent. Her case highlights a common challenge: once a visa is revoked, individuals enter undocumented status, facing removal risks without pending appeals or applications.

In the moments after her detention, Aghayeva posted on Instagram—a photo of her legs in custody with the caption, 'DHS illegally arrested me. Please help.' The post, later deleted, mobilized support and amplified her story worldwide.

Campus Outrage: Protests and University Response

News of the detention spread like wildfire across Columbia's campus, prompting immediate backlash. Students gathered for peaceful protests, chanting against what they viewed as an overreach into sacred educational spaces. Faculty expressed fear and confusion, with one calling it a 'nightmare come true' in the Columbia Spectator. Acting President Shipman issued a strong statement condemning the tactics: 'It is utterly unacceptable that ICE agents falsely represented themselves to arrest one of our students... Law enforcement must present a judicial warrant or subpoena to access non-public areas like our residence halls.'

The university emphasized that administrative warrants, often used by ICE, do not suffice for private spaces like dorms under legal standards. This stance aligns with broader higher education concerns about 'sensitive locations' policies, where ICE traditionally limits operations in schools, churches, and hospitals to avoid disrupting education.

Reactions poured in from politicians: New York Governor Kathy Hochul decried it as a 'gross abuse of power' and vowed legislation to bar ICE from dorms and classrooms. Democratic representatives like Jerry Nadler labeled it 'dangerous and fear-inducing,' while advocates highlighted the chilling effect on international student recruitment.

The Swift Political Intervention and Release

In a stunning turn, Aghayeva's release came after just nine to twelve hours. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, during an unrelated White House meeting with President Trump on housing funds, raised concerns about ICE raids. He presented a list of detained Columbia students—many linked to pro-Palestinian activism—and specifically advocated for Aghayeva. Trump reportedly assured, 'She'll be released imminently,' a promise fulfilled that afternoon.

Aghayeva confirmed her freedom on social media: 'I just got out a little while ago... I'm safe, okay, but in shock.' Covered under a coat, she returned to her apartment amid cheering supporters.

Photo by Santeri on Unsplash

DHS Perspective: Enforcing Long-Standing Visa Violations

DHS countered the misrepresentation claims, stating agents verbally identified as Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), displayed badges, and gained consensual entry from the building manager and roommate. A spokesperson clarified: 'ICE arrested Elmina Aghayeva, an illegal alien from Azerbaijan whose student visa was terminated in 2016... She has no pending appeals and was released pending her removal hearing.'

This balanced view reveals enforcement priorities: prioritizing individuals with revoked status to uphold immigration laws. F-1 visa holders must maintain status meticulously; failure triggers automatic termination via U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), leading to accrual of unlawful presence and bars on re-entry.

Legal Battles and Ongoing Proceedings

While detained, Aghayeva filed a habeas corpus petition in federal court against DHS leaders, including ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons and Secretary Kristi Noem. U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla issued an order prohibiting her removal or transfer outside New York/New Jersey without court approval. A hearing was set, though later reports indicate case dismissal.

These actions underscore judicial oversight in immigration cases, providing temporary relief but not resolving underlying visa issues. Immigration lawyers note such petitions challenge detention legality but rarely overturn removal for status violators.

Broader Context: Immigration Enforcement Hits Campuses

This isn't isolated. Columbia has seen multiple detentions: Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi (released after citizenship interview arrest), Mahmoud Khalil (green card holder fighting deportation), and Leqaa Kordia. Amid Trump-era policies, F-1 revocations surged, with 36% drops in international enrollment reported in some sectors.

U.S. higher education relies on international students for 28% of enrollment at top universities, contributing $45 billion annually. Yet, strict F-1 rules—no unauthorized work, full course loads—pose risks. Cultural adjustment, academic pressures, and misinformation exacerbate violations.

Practical Advice for International Students 📚

• Monitor SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) status regularly via your Designated School Official (DSO).
• Maintain full-time enrollment (12+ credits undergrad) and report changes within 10 days.
• Seek Optional Practical Training (OPT) for post-grad work legally; explore higher ed jobs compliant with visa rules.
• Consult immigration attorneys early; universities offer free clinics.
• Understand 'sensitive locations' protections but know ICE can operate with warrants.

For those navigating similar paths, resources like university international offices provide guidance. Aspiring scholars can prepare by reviewing Ivy League requirements and visa best practices.

Photo by Sean Lee on Unsplash

What Universities and Policymakers Can Do

Institutions like Columbia are bolstering support: enhanced legal aid, DSO training, and advocacy for sanctuary policies. Policymakers propose reforms like expanded OPT, visa grace periods, and ICE restrictions on campuses. Positive solutions include bipartisan bills for STEM extensions and state protections.

Higher ed leaders advocate balanced enforcement—target criminals, not students—while ensuring compliance education. Explore career advice tailored for internationals.

Key Takeaways and Moving Forward

The Aghayeva incident, resolved swiftly yet traumatically, spotlights tensions in U.S. higher education. While DHS upholds laws, tactics raise ethical questions. International students: prioritize compliance to thrive. Share your experiences on Rate My Professor or seek higher ed jobs and university jobs. Visit higher ed career advice for actionable steps. With vigilance and resources, global talent can continue enriching American campuses.