NEW YORK — Federal immigration agents detained a Columbia University undergraduate inside her dorm room early Thursday morning, sparking a fierce departmental standoff and allegations from university officials that agents used “misrepresentations” to bypass campus security.
The student, identified by Dean Lisa Rosen-Metsch as Ellie Aghayeva, a senior neuroscience student and prominent social media influencer, was taken into custody at approximately 6:30 a.m. at the university’s Manhattan campus. The incident marks a significant escalation in tensions between the Ivy League institution and federal law enforcement, occurring on a campus that has remained closed to the public since 2024.
Allegations of Deception and “Missing Person” Pretext
Columbia University President Claire Shipman issued a scathing statement Thursday, alleging that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents gained entry to the restricted residential building under false pretenses.
“Federal agents made misrepresentations to gain entry to the building to search for a ‘missing person,'” Shipman stated. She emphasized that the university requires a judicial warrant or judicial subpoena to grant law enforcement access to non-public areas, including dormitories and classrooms.
“An administrative warrant is not sufficient,” Shipman added, noting that the agents did not present the necessary judicial documentation to bypass the school’s CUID swipe-access system.
Influencer Detained: “DHS Illegally Arrested Me”
Aghayeva, known to her 100,000+ followers for content focused on academic productivity and life at Columbia, managed to post a brief plea to her Instagram story during the encounter.
“DHS illegally arrested me. Please help,” the post read.
While the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) confirmed Aghayeva is an international student on a visa, her specific nationality has not been disclosed. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has yet to release a formal statement regarding the specific grounds for her detainment or the status of her legal standing.
Political Firestorm: Hochul and Levine Condemn Tactics
The early-morning raid has drawn immediate condemnation from New York’s top Democratic officials, who characterized the tactics as an overreach of federal authority.
Governor Kathy Hochul: In a statement on X, Hochul accused agents of lying to gain access to a private residence. She utilized the incident to advocate for new legislation. “I’ve proposed a bill that would ban ICE from entering sensitive locations like schools and dorms. Let’s get it passed now,” Hochul wrote.
City Comptroller Mark Levine: Levine called the move a “dangerous escalation,” confirming that his office is working with authorities to seek clarity. “Agents made misleading statements to campus security… This does nothing to make us safer,” Levine stated.
Context: A University Under Federal Scrutiny
This arrest follows years of friction between Columbia University and federal authorities. The institution has frequently been a target of Congressional Republicans and the Trump administration, specifically regarding the handling of campus protests and allegations of failing to protect students from discrimination.
Recent Legal and Financial Pressures
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| 2024 Encampments | Campus closed to outsiders following pro-Palestinian protests. |
| Federal Funding | Columbia reached a $221 million settlement last year to restore funding previously pulled by the administration. |
| Mahmoud Khalil Case | Last year, student Mahmoud Khalil was detained for three months following his involvement in campus protests, drawing similar cries of administrative overreach. |
The university remains on high alert as legal counsel for Aghayeva and university officials move to challenge the legality of the entry.
