Key Points
-
DHS agents detained Columbia student Ellie Aghayeva in New York
-
Officials say her student visa expired in 2016
-
University reviewing protocols after early morning arrest
NEW YORK CITY, New York. Federal agents detained Columbia University student Ellie Aghayeva early Thursday morning, triggering a dispute between the Department of Homeland Security and university officials over the circumstances of the arrest.
According to DHS, Aghayeva’s student visa had been terminated in 2016 for failing to attend classes. The agency said officers were allowed into the university residence by the student’s roommate and building staff.
Aghayeva, however, posted on social media from detention claiming the arrest was illegal and asking for help.
The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. at a Columbia residential building in Morningside Heights, according to university communications reviewed by local media.
Who is Ellie Aghayeva
Aghayeva is a senior at Columbia University originally from Azerbaijan, studying neuroscience. She also maintains a sizable online presence, with more than 100,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok where she posts content about student life, productivity, and science.
Her LinkedIn profile lists research work in neuroscience, while recent social posts focused on her life in New York prior to the detention.
University raises concerns
Acting Columbia President Claire Shipman said federal agents appeared to enter the building while claiming they were searching for a missing person, though DHS disputed that account.
“Our understanding at this time is that the federal agents made misrepresentations to gain entry,” Shipman wrote in a message to the campus community.
In response to the incident, Columbia announced updated guidance stating that federal agents must present a judicial warrant or subpoena to access nonpublic areas of campus housing.
Broader immigration scrutiny
The detention is one of several recent federal actions involving international students at Columbia, including a high-profile case in March 2025 involving another foreign student.
Authorities have not announced any criminal charges against Aghayeva. Her current immigration status and potential removal proceedings remain unclear.
So, the case highlights rising tensions between universities and federal immigration enforcement as campuses tighten rules on law enforcement access to student housing.
Officials say more information will be released as the situation develops.
