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

Elaina Aghayeva, an Azerbaijani national studying at Columbia, was detained on campus before being freed following intervention from Mayor Mamdani and President Trump.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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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 her attorney filed a habeas corpus petition and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani met with President Trump, Aghayeva was released later that same day.

Why it matters

The detention of an international student on a university campus has raised concerns about the rights of students and the ability of federal agents to enter university property without proper legal authorization. This incident follows previous instances of federal agents conducting searches at Columbia, which has become a flashpoint for political controversies.

The details

Aghayeva, a current international student in good standing according to her friends, was detained inside her campus residence by DHS agents who claimed her student visa had been terminated in 2016 for failing to attend classes. Her attorney filed a habeas corpus petition arguing she had entered the U.S. around 2016 on a valid visa and had not been given a reason for her detention. After Mayor Mamdani met with President Trump, the president informed Mamdani that Aghayeva would be released promptly.

  • On Thursday morning, DHS agents detained Elaina Aghayeva on the Columbia University campus.
  • Later that same day, Mayor Mamdani met with President Trump at the White House.
  • President Trump then informed Mayor Mamdani that Aghayeva would be released imminently.

The players

Elaina (Ellie) Aghayeva

A Columbia University student, an Azerbaijani national studying neuroscience and political science.

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 to secure Aghayeva's release after meeting with Mayor Mamdani.

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 Aghayeva's case will decide on whether to allow her to remain in the country or face deportation proceedings.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between universities, federal immigration authorities, and the rights of international students on American campuses. It underscores the need for clear protocols and legal oversight to prevent the arbitrary detention of students.