Columbia Student Detained by DHS Agents Released After NYC Mayor Intervenes

Elaina Aghayeva, a neuroscience and political science student, was freed after Mayor Mamdani met with President Trump.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A Columbia University student named Elaina Aghayeva was detained by Department of Homeland Security agents on Thursday morning at her campus residence. After NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani met with President Trump, the president informed the mayor that Aghayeva would be released promptly. Aghayeva, an Azerbaijani national studying at Columbia, confirmed her release on social media shortly before 4 p.m.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing tensions between universities, federal immigration authorities, and student activists. Columbia has previously been the site of controversial federal agent activity on campus, raising concerns about civil liberties and the treatment of international students.

The details

Aghayeva, a neuroscience and political science student, was taken into custody by DHS agents who claimed her student visa had been terminated in 2016 for failing to attend classes. However, her friends stated she was a current international student in good standing. Aghayeva’s attorney filed a habeas corpus petition, asserting she had entered the U.S. around 2016 on a valid visa and was not given a reason for her detention.

  • On Thursday morning, DHS agents entered a Columbia University dormitory and removed Aghayeva.
  • Later that day, Mayor Mamdani met with President Trump and raised concerns about Aghayeva’s detention.
  • President Trump then informed Mayor Mamdani that Aghayeva would be released promptly.
  • Aghayeva confirmed her release on social media shortly before 4 p.m. on Thursday.

The players

Elaina (Ellie) Aghayeva

A Columbia University student studying neuroscience and political science, who was detained by DHS agents on Thursday morning.

Zohran Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City, who met with President Trump and raised concerns about Aghayeva’s detention.

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who informed Mayor Mamdani that Aghayeva would be released promptly after their meeting.

Claire Shipman

The Acting President of Columbia University, who sent a message to the campus community about the incident.

Mahmoud Khalil

A Columbia graduate student and Palestinian activist who was previously arrested and detained by immigration authorities.

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What they’re saying

“In our meeting earlier, I shared my concerns about Columbia student Elaina Aghayeva, who was detained by ICE this morning. He has just informed me that she will be released imminently.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (Social media)

“I am so grateful for everyone of you. I just got out a little while ago. I am safe and ok. I am in complete shock over what happened...”

— Elaina Aghayeva (Instagram)

“The University is relieved and thrilled that our student, Ellie, has been released from detainment. We will share additional details this evening.”

— Columbia University (Social media)

What’s next

The judge in Mahmoud Khalil’s case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him to continue through immigration proceedings or challenge the legality of his detention.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between universities, federal immigration authorities, and student activists, raising concerns about civil liberties and the treatment of international students on college campuses.