Columbia University student claims DHS illegally arrested them: ‘Please help’

WorldPolitics
27 Feb 2026 • 1:59 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

  • Federal immigration officers misrepresented themselves to gain entry to a residential building at Columbia University to detain a student, according to university officials.
  • Department of Homeland Security agents entered the dormitory at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, claiming to be searching for a “missing person,” according to acting university President Claire Shipman.
  • The detained student, identified as neuroscience student Ellie Aghayeva, posted on Instagram, “Dhs illegally arrested me. Please help.”
  • This incident follows previous immigration enforcement actions on Columbia property, including the arrest of graduate student Mahmoud Khalil last March, amidst the administration's campaign targeting international students.
  • Columbia University officials have reiterated that all law enforcement agents require a judicial warrant or subpoena to access non-public areas of the university, not just administrative warrants.

IN FULL

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved