Overview
- Acting president Claire Shipman said DHS agents entered a university residential building around 6:30 a.m. and took a student into custody.
- The student was identified in reporting as Ellie (Elmina) Aghayeva, who posted on Instagram, "Dhs illegally arrested me. Please help," and her lawyers filed a habeas corpus petition.
- DHS/ICE confirmed the arrest, said Aghayeva’s student visa was terminated in 2016, and stated the building manager and a roommate admitted officers.
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said President Trump told him the student would be released, and Aghayeva later confirmed she was freed the same day.
- Columbia and elected officials condemned the operation, with unconfirmed claims circulating that agents impersonated NYPD, and Governor Kathy Hochul urged legislation restricting ICE access to schools and dorms.