Columbia Student Detained by ICE in University Building Released After Impersonation Claims
New York – A Columbia University student detained by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in a university-owned building has been released, following reports that agents allegedly impersonated New York Police Department (NYPD) officers to gain entry.
Elmina “Ellie” Aghayeva, a General Studies (GS) student in the class of 2026, was taken into custody early Thursday morning in what university sources describe as a dramatic raid on a university-owned residence. According to a report from Columbia Spectator, federal agents posed as NYPD officers to enter the building, raising serious questions about the tactics used in the operation.[1]
Details of the Detention Emerge
The incident unfolded around dawn when agents, reportedly from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), arrived at the residence. Shipman, a source cited in the Columbia Spectator article, claimed the agents misrepresented their identities to university staff and residents, allowing them to access the premises where Aghayeva was located.
“Federal agents detained Elmina “Ellie” Aghayeva, GS ’26, early Thursday morning after impersonating New York Police Department officers to enter.”[1]
Aghayeva, whose specific immigration status has not been publicly detailed, was swiftly removed from the building. The operation has sparked outrage among student groups and advocates who argue it violates protocols for interactions on university campuses, particularly those designated as sensitive locations under ICE guidelines.
University Response and Release
Columbia University officials confirmed the detention but provided limited details initially. In a statement released later Thursday, the university expressed concern over the manner of entry and committed to reviewing security protocols. By evening, Aghayeva was released from custody, as first reported by The New York Times. The swift release suggests possible procedural issues with the arrest or intervention by legal representatives.
“The student has been released pending further review,” a university spokesperson told reporters, emphasizing the institution’s support for international students.
Broader Context of ICE Operations on Campuses
This event occurs amid heightened tensions over immigration enforcement at U.S. universities. In recent years, ICE has increased operations targeting individuals with visa violations, often leading to confrontations on college campuses. Critics, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have accused federal agents of overreach, including warrantless entries and misrepresentation of authority.
Legal experts note that while ICE can operate on public university grounds, private residences—even university-owned—require proper warrants or consent. The impersonation allegation, if substantiated, could lead to an investigation by the Department of Justice.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Early Thursday | ICE agents enter university residence posing as NYPD |
| Thursday Morning | Elmina Aghayeva detained |
| Thursday Evening | Student released; university issues statement |
Student and Community Reaction
Columbia’s international student community mobilized quickly. Protests gathered outside the president’s office, demanding transparency and protection for non-citizen students. “This is an attack on our campus sanctuary,” said one anonymous graduate student.
Aghayeva’s classmates launched a GoFundMe for legal fees, raising over $10,000 in hours. Social media amplified the story, with hashtags like #FreeEllie and #ICEOutOfColumbia trending locally.
ICE’s Position
ICE has not commented specifically on the case but reiterated in a general statement that operations are conducted lawfully. “Enforcement actions prioritize public safety and are executed with appropriate authority,” the agency said.
However, Shipman’s report challenges this, alleging direct deception.[1] Independent verification is ongoing, with Columbia’s legal team reportedly cooperating with federal investigators.
Implications for Higher Education
This incident highlights ongoing friction between immigration enforcement and academia. Universities like Columbia, with large international cohorts, have adopted policies limiting ICE access without judicial warrants. Recent data from the Institute of International Education shows over 1 million foreign students in the U.S., making campuses prime enforcement zones.
- Columbia joins a list of schools facing similar raids, including UCLA and NYU in prior years.
- Advocates call for congressional oversight on ICE tactics.
- Student visas face increased scrutiny post-pandemic.
What’s Next?
Aghayeva is receiving university counseling and legal aid. Columbia plans a town hall Friday to address concerns. Federal authorities may face lawsuits if impersonation claims hold.
As details emerge, this case could set precedents for ICE-university interactions, balancing national security with educational access.
Perplexity News will update this story as new information becomes available.