Columbia University Student Elaina Aghayeva Released from ICE Custody

Elaina Aghayeva, a Columbia University student, was detained by ICE but has been released following intervention from NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The mayor discussed her case directly with President Trump, leading to her imminent release. The incident raised concerns about the legality of ICE's actions, as federal agents reportedly misrepresented their purpose to gain access to a student dormitory. Aghayeva, who is studying neuroscience and political science, had previously posted on social media about her arrest. This case highlights ongoing issues surrounding immigration enforcement on college campuses.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 27, 2026, 02:55 IST

Mayor's Announcement on Aghayeva's Release

On Thursday, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that Elaina Aghayeva, a student at Columbia University, who was detained by ICE earlier that day, will soon be released. In a message posted on X, Mamdani stated, “I just spoke with President Trump. During our earlier meeting, I expressed my concerns regarding Columbia student Elaina Aghayeva, who was taken into custody by ICE this morning. He has informed me that she will be released shortly.”

This announcement followed Mamdani's meeting with Trump at the White House earlier that day, where he directly addressed Aghayeva's situation. Shortly after, Aghayeva posted on Instagram that she had been released.

Incident Details at Columbia University

What Happened at Columbia

According to officials at Columbia University, federal immigration agents entered a student dormitory on West 122nd Street around 6:30 a.m., claiming they were searching for a 'missing person.' Acting President Claire Shipman issued a statement saying, “We understand that federal agents misrepresented their purpose to gain access to the building. We are currently gathering more information.” The university is in contact with Aghayeva’s family and is providing legal assistance. Shipman emphasized that law enforcement must have a judicial warrant or subpoena to enter private areas such as dorms or classrooms, noting that an administrative warrant from a federal agency is inadequate. She advised, “Do not permit them entry or accept service of a warrant or subpoena.”

Background on Elaina Aghayeva

Who Is Elaina Aghayeva?

Aghayeva is an undergraduate student at Columbia, majoring in neuroscience and political science. She moved to the United States from Azerbaijan on a visa in 2016. Early Thursday, she shared on her Instagram story, “DHS illegally arrested me. Please help.”

Later that day, she filed a habeas corpus petition in federal court, requesting a judge to mandate her release. This incident is not the first of its kind; in March 2025, another Columbia graduate student, Mahmoud Khalil, was arrested on campus and spent 104 days in detention before being released while his immigration case was ongoing. Khalil had played a significant role in the 2024 protests related to Gaza on campus.