A Columbia University student was arrested by federal immigration officers who disguised themselves as New York police, claiming they were searching for a missing child to gain entry into her apartment. The acting president of Columbia, Claire Shipman, announced that the university is trying to support the student’s family and provide legal assistance.
The student, Ellie Aghayeva, posted on Instagram during the incident, saying, “DHS illegally arrested me. Please help.” This sparked immediate concern among her friends on campus, who reached out to local officials for help. They reported that Aghayeva sent a message in a group chat saying, “ICE is in my house. They are trying to take me away.”
Brad Hoylman-Sigal, the Manhattan borough president, highlighted the seriousness of the situation, calling it a significant violation of civil rights. He noted that officers misled campus housing staff to gain access to Aghayeva’s apartment. However, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said agents identified themselves properly and denied impersonating the police.
It appears Aghayeva may no longer be a student. According to a DHS spokesperson, her student visa was terminated back in 2016. Friends indicated she was in her final semester studying neuroscience and political science.
Responses from the community were strong. Attorney Eli Northrup criticized Columbia for failing to protect its students and called for better security protocols. He mentioned that no safety officer should allow law enforcement entry without proper vetting. Shayoni Mitra, a professor at nearby Barnard College, expressed frustration that safety officers were not trained to handle such situations.
This incident follows a troubling pattern. Nearly a year ago, ICE detained other Columbia students, leading to protests on campus. Many students and faculty gathered in response to Aghayeva’s arrest, demanding her immediate release.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned ICE and suggested they misled staff to access Aghayeva’s home. She proposed legislation to prevent ICE from entering sensitive places like schools without proper warrants.
Former city officials like Brad Lander have also spoken out against ICE tactics, asserting that lawlessness must end. The incident raises important questions about student safety and the actions of federal authorities.
For those interested in the broader implications of this event, it reflects the ongoing debate about immigration policies in America. In recent times, various reports indicate that harassment and arrests of students by immigration officials have increased, leading to heightened fears on college campuses, particularly among international students.
These developments highlight a critical moment for universities as they navigate student rights and safety, leaving many wondering how institutions will respond to ensure the protection of their communities in this ever-evolving landscape.
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