Columbia Student Detained by DHS Agents Released After NYC Mayor Meets With President

Elaina Aghayeva, a neuroscience and political science student, was freed following intervention from NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Columbia University student named Elaina (Ellie) Aghayeva, an Azerbaijani national studying neuroscience and political science, was detained by Department of Homeland Security agents on campus on Thursday morning. After NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani met with President Trump, the president informed the mayor that Aghayeva would be released promptly.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about federal agents' actions on college campuses and the rights of international students. Columbia University has previously been the site of controversial federal investigations, sparking debates around academic freedom, immigration enforcement, and political activism.

The details

Aghayeva, a current international student in good standing, was taken into custody by DHS agents who claimed her student visa had been terminated in 2016 during the Obama administration for failing to attend classes. However, her friends and the university stated she was a current student. Aghayeva's attorney filed a habeas corpus petition arguing she had a valid visa and was given no reason for her detention.

  • On Thursday morning, DHS agents entered a Columbia University dormitory and removed Aghayeva.
  • Later that day, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani met with President Trump and raised concerns about Aghayeva's detention.
  • President Trump then informed Mayor Mamdani that Aghayeva would be released promptly.

The players

Elaina (Ellie) Aghayeva

A Columbia University student from Azerbaijan studying neuroscience and political science who was detained by DHS agents on campus.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who met with President Trump to raise concerns about Aghayeva's detention.

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States who intervened and ordered Aghayeva's release after meeting with NYC Mayor Mamdani.

Columbia University

The university where the incident occurred, which stated Aghayeva was a current international student in good standing.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 (Twitter)

“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)

What’s next

The university has stated it will share additional details about the incident with the campus community in the evening.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and academic institutions, as well as the rights of international students on U.S. campuses. It underscores the need for clear protocols and transparency around law enforcement actions on college grounds.