Columbia Student Detained By US Immigration Agents Released After Mamdani Meets Trump

Ellie Aghayeva, a senior at Columbia University hailing from Azerbaijan, was recently detained by U.S. immigration officials but has since been released. Her case garnered significant attention, particularly after Columbia’s President, Minouche Shafik, and prominent academic, Hamid Dabashi, advocated for her release. Aghayeva, who studies neuroscience and politics, has not been associated with any pro-Palestinian protests that have sparked controversy on campus. The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policies and the treatment of international students in the U.S., particularly amidst heightened scrutiny following various protests. The swift resolution of Aghayeva's situation underscores the influence of university leadership and community support in navigating complex legal challenges faced by international students. As the university community rallies around issues of free speech and student rights, this incident adds to the broader discourse on the implications of immigration enforcement in educational environments.