ICE Agents Accused of Posing as Police in Columbia University Arrest

Incident raises concerns about eroding public trust in law enforcement

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are accused of posing as police officers to gain access to a Columbia University residential building and arrest an international student from Azerbaijan. The agents allegedly presented a flyer about a 'missing child' to a campus safety officer to enter the building, before arresting the student, Ellie Aghayeva, who they claim overstayed her visa. The incident has prompted widespread criticism and calls for investigation, with concerns that such tactics could undermine public trust in the police during emergencies.

Why it matters

The apparent misrepresentation by ICE agents has threatened to open a rift between the New York Police Department and ICE, whose agents have increasingly used disguises to carry out deportations. Experts warn that such tactics could gravely undermine public trust in law enforcement, making it harder for police to do their jobs effectively, especially in immigrant communities.

The details

According to Columbia University, the ICE agents gained access to the residential building by posing as police officers searching for a missing 5-year-old child. They presented a flyer about the 'missing child' to a campus safety officer, allowing them to enter the building and arrest Ellie Aghayeva, an international student from Azerbaijan who immigration officials claim overstayed her visa. The NYPD officers arrived after the agents had already entered Aghayeva's apartment, and they confirmed the men were federal agents before leaving.

  • The 911 call came in at 6:32 a.m. on Thursday.
  • The NYPD officers arrived after the ICE agents had already entered Aghayeva's apartment.

The players

Ellie Aghayeva

An international student from Azerbaijan who immigration officials claim overstayed her visa.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that carried out the arrest operation at Columbia University.

New York Police Department (NYPD)

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the 911 call and confirmed the men were federal agents.

Columbia University

The university where the incident took place, and which has condemned the ICE agents' tactics.

President Donald Trump

The Republican president who intervened to have Aghayeva released shortly after meeting with the Democratic mayor of New York City.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If the police are actually looking for a child in danger, people are now going to be more hesitant to help. Almost immediately, this sort of ICE subterfuge is going to make the job of police officers more difficult.”

— Michael Alcazar, Retired hostage negotiator with the NYPD

“Anybody looking at this is going to immediately think it's unjustified. So that will erode trust in a relevant community the next time officers need cooperation.”

— Jeffrey Fagan, Law professor at Columbia University

What’s next

The judge in Ellie Aghayeva's case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow her to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing tensions between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, as well as the potential damage that deceptive tactics by government agents can have on public trust in the police. It underscores the need for clear policies and transparency to maintain community cooperation with law enforcement.