Columbia Student Detained by ICE Agents on Campus

Federal agents allegedly misrepresented themselves to gain access to student housing, sparking protests and legal questions.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Federal immigration agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) entered a Columbia University residential building early Thursday morning and detained a student, according to university officials. The agents allegedly presented themselves as NYPD officers searching for a missing person to gain access to the building, which the university says was a misrepresentation. The detained student was identified as Ellie Aghayeva, a senior majoring in neuroscience and political science. Aghayeva, an international student with a valid visa, posted a video from the back of a vehicle saying she was "illegally arrested." The incident has sparked protests and condemnation from elected officials, as well as renewed scrutiny over immigration enforcement tactics on college campuses.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and academic institutions, where federal agents have increasingly targeted students, raising concerns about civil rights violations and the sanctity of private university housing. It also comes amid a broader debate over the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security on college campuses.

The details

According to university officials, the DHS agents arrived at the Columbia-owned residential building around 6:30 a.m. and gained access by allegedly misrepresenting themselves as NYPD officers searching for a missing person. Once inside, they detained Ellie Aghayeva, a senior student majoring in neuroscience and political science. Aghayeva, an international student with a valid visa, posted a video from the back of a vehicle saying she was "illegally arrested." The university says the agents did not have a judicial warrant, which is required to access private campus housing.

  • On Thursday, February 26, 2026, DHS agents entered the Columbia University residential building around 6:30 a.m.

The players

Ellie Aghayeva

A senior student at Columbia University majoring in neuroscience and political science, who was detained by DHS agents in her campus housing.

Claire Shipman

The acting president of Columbia University, who sent a letter to the campus community about the incident.

Micah Lasher

A state lawmaker who was briefed by Columbia University officials about the incident.

Brad Hoylman-Sigal

The Manhattan Borough President, who alleged on social media that the DHS agents displayed a "phony" missing persons bulletin and fake badges to gain entry.

Julie Menin

The New York City Council Speaker, who issued a joint statement condemning the arrest with Councilmember Shaun Abreu.

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What they’re saying

“We are working to gather more details.”

— Claire Shipman, Acting President, Columbia University (wabcradio.com)

“ICE has no place in our schools and universities. These activities do not make our city or country safer, but rather drive mistrust and danger.”

— Julie Menin and Shaun Abreu, New York City Council Speaker and Councilmember (wabcradio.com)

“Dhs illegally arrested me. Please help.”

— Ellie Aghayeva (Instagram)

What’s next

Ellie Aghayeva's attorney has filed an emergency petition in Manhattan federal court seeking her release, and more details are expected as DHS releases a formal statement and the legal proceedings unfold.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and academic institutions, raising concerns about civil rights violations and the sanctity of private university housing. It also highlights the broader debate over the role of federal agencies like ICE and DHS on college campuses.