ICE Agents Allegedly Lied to Enter Columbia Dorm and Detain Student Elmina Aghayeva on Feb 26

Columbia University says ICE agents lied to get into a dorm and arrest a student. This is similar to an incident last year where another student was arrested on campus.
By Newsroom | Crime, Education |

Campus housing breached under dubious pretenses, university claims

Agents affiliated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement allegedly misrepresented themselves to gain entry into a Columbia University residence hall on February 26th, leading to the detention of student Elmina 'Ellie' Aghayeva. University officials, including acting president Claire Shipman, assert that federal agents used a ruse, potentially a claim of a "missing child," to bypass a security guard and access the dorm. Aghayeva, a 29-year-old senior expected to graduate this year, was reportedly taken from her room around 6:30 a.m. by five plainclothes agents. She was subsequently transported into federal custody and later released the same afternoon after several hours.

ICE 'Tricked Security Guard' to Enter Columbia Dorm and Arrest Student Elmina 'Ellie' Aghayeva, Investigation Claims - 1

The core of the dispute lies in the method of entry, with Columbia University vehemently stating that judicial warrants, not administrative ones, are required for such operations on campus. The university's administration has characterized the agents' actions as deceitful. The Department of Homeland Security, however, has denied that its ICE agents impersonated police officers, though details remain contested. Aghayeva, described as a neuroscience student and social media influencer, was reportedly detained without the university's consent. She later posted on social media, alleging an "illegal arrest."

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ICE 'Tricked Security Guard' to Enter Columbia Dorm and Arrest Student Elmina 'Ellie' Aghayeva, Investigation Claims - 2

Details of the Encounter

The incident unfolded on February 26th when five agents from the Department of Homeland Security arrived at Aghayeva's residential building. According to reports, the agents secured entry by allegedly misleading a building security guard. Aghayeva's roommate was present when the agents entered the room. The university’s statement on the matter has been direct, with President Shipman explicitly stating, "Homeland Security Agents Lied Their Way Into Dorm to Arrest Student." This account is echoed by Governor Kathy Hochul, who has reiterated Columbia’s assertion that federal agents misrepresented themselves.

ICE 'Tricked Security Guard' to Enter Columbia Dorm and Arrest Student Elmina 'Ellie' Aghayeva, Investigation Claims - 3

While Aghayeva was in custody, her lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, court records indicate that Aghayeva filed a lawsuit against federal officials while she was detained. She also shared brief messages on social media, including one video stating, "No finish line," and another claiming she had been "illegally arrested." Her online presence reveals little about her political leanings, save for one video displaying a chart of her political ideology.

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ICE 'Tricked Security Guard' to Enter Columbia Dorm and Arrest Student Elmina 'Ellie' Aghayeva, Investigation Claims - 4

Context and Background

This event follows a similar incident last March involving the arrest of another student, Mahmoud Khalil, from his campus housing. Aghayeva, who is Azerbaijan-born, was released after spending several hours in federal custody. The circumstances surrounding her immigration status and the specific reason for her detention remain unclear to many observers. The New Yorker's newsletter posed the question, "Why Did ICE Take a Columbia Student?" highlighting the general lack of public understanding regarding the reasons for her apprehension. The role of social media and community response in bringing attention to her case has also been noted as a potential factor in her release.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did ICE agents allegedly enter the Columbia University dorm on February 26?
University officials claim ICE agents misrepresented themselves to a security guard, possibly by saying there was a 'missing child,' to gain entry into the dorm where student Elmina Aghayeva was located.
Q: Who is Elmina Aghayeva and why was she detained?
Elmina Aghayeva is a 29-year-old senior at Columbia University who was detained by five plainclothes ICE agents from her room around 6:30 a.m. on February 26. The exact reason for her detention and her immigration status are not fully clear, but she later posted on social media alleging an 'illegal arrest.'
Q: What is Columbia University's stance on the ICE agents' actions?
Columbia University officials, including acting president Claire Shipman, have strongly condemned the agents' actions, stating they 'lied their way into the dorm' and that federal agents used deceitful methods to bypass security. The university maintains that judicial warrants, not administrative ones, are needed for such operations on campus.
Q: Did ICE agents admit to lying to get into the dorm?
The Department of Homeland Security has denied that its ICE agents impersonated police officers. However, Columbia University and Governor Kathy Hochul have reiterated the university's assertion that the agents misrepresented themselves to gain access.
Q: Was Elmina Aghayeva released?
Yes, Elmina Aghayeva was released the same afternoon after spending several hours in federal custody. She filed a lawsuit against federal officials while she was detained and later shared messages on social media about her experience.
Q: Is this the first time ICE has been involved in a campus incident at Columbia?
No, this incident follows a similar event in March of the previous year where another student, Mahmoud Khalil, was arrested from his campus housing.