Columbia student detained by DHS will be released, Mamdani says

Columbia student released after being detained by ICE

FOX 5 NY's Sharon Crowley has the latest.

NEW YORK - A student detained by federal agents with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from inside a Columbia University dormitory will be "released imminently," according to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

‘Released imminently’

What we know:

Mamdani posted on X that he spoke with President Donald Trump recently about the incident, and confirmed she will be released "imminently."

Acting President Claire Shipman said DHS agents entered a Columbia Residential building at approximately 6:30 a.m. and took a student into custody.

What they're saying:

In a message to the campus community, Shipman said the university’s "understanding at this time is that the federal agents made misrepresentations to gain entry to the building to search for a ‘missing person.’" She added that the university is working to gather more details about what occurred.

The DHS released this statement regarding the incident:

"ICE arrested Elmina Aghayeva, an illegal alien from Azerbaijan, whose student visa was terminated in 2016 under the Obama administration for failing to attend classes. The building manager and her roommate let officers into the apartment. She has no pending appeals or applications with DHS."

University policy regarding law enforcement access

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 31: People explore the historic Horseshoe as snow falls at the University of South Carolina on January 31, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. Forecasts show much of the Carolinas blanketed with snow and unseasonably

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Shipman emphasized university policy regarding law enforcement access to non-public campus spaces.

"It is important to reiterate that all law enforcement agents must have a judicial warrant or judicial subpoena to access non-public areas of the University, including housing, classrooms, and areas requiring CUID swipe access," Shipman said. "An administrative warrant is not sufficient."

"Do not allow them to enter or accept service of a warrant or subpoena," Shipman said.

What we don't know:

It is not immediately clear why the student was detained or whether any charges have been filed.

The investigation remains ongoing.

There are reports of an "emergency rally" on campus in response to the news, but nothing has been confirmed. 

Check back for updates.