Elmina Aghayeva, a neuroscience researcher from Azerbaijan, has been released from federal custody after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Columbia University on Thursday morning. The incident sparked a wave of support from students and faculty on campus.
Shortly after her release, Aghayeva took to Instagram to express her gratitude, stating, “I am so grateful for every one of you. I just got out a little while ago. I am safe and okay.” Her situation drew attention not just at Columbia but also caught the eye of city leaders.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani played a critical role in her release. He discussed the matter directly with President Trump before announcing that Aghayeva would be freed. Mamdani had requested that ICE keep her in New York for a court hearing, and the agency complied.
Initial reports indicated that Aghayeva was taken under questionable circumstances. Interim Columbia President Claire Shipman shared in an email that ICE agents entered the university’s residential building around 6:30 a.m., using misleading information to gain access. She noted that Aghayeva wasn’t the individual the agents were searching for, calling the situation concerning.
Students rallied to demand her release and learned that the federal agents had falsely identified themselves as members of the NYPD. City Council Member Shaun Abreu confirmed this, saying they misrepresented their purpose to gain entry, stating, “They used false pretenses and straight-up lies.” Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal echoed this, emphasizing that Aghayeva’s rights had been violated.
ICE confirmed that Aghayeva was detained due to visa issues and that her housing manager allowed the agents inside. The situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of international students in the U.S. In recent months, surveys show that many international students fear for their status in the country, which adds to the unpredictability of their education and life in the United States. A report from the Institute of International Education found that the number of international students in the U.S. dipped by 14% in 2021, illustrating a growing concern for their safety.
This incident also came just a day after Columbia students protested for better protections for international workers, further spotlighting the challenges faced by this group. Aghayeva’s case has sparked discussions on social media about immigration policies and students’ rights, showing how quickly community voices can mobilize for change.
Shipman reminded the university community about the importance of ensuring that law enforcement agents present proper warrants before entering university spaces, emphasizing, “An administrative warrant is not sufficient.” This reminder comes at a crucial time when the stigma against federal enforcement actions on campuses could shape future responses to similar incidents.
In a country where immigration policy remains a contentious issue, Aghayeva’s story serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing struggle for rights and protections faced by students from abroad.
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Day: Thursday,Time: 16.00,Page Type: Article,Article Type: Article Post,Short,WC: 0-999,Subject: Justice,Partner: Factiva,Partner: Smart News,Partner: Social Flow,Language: English
