Columbia student arrested by DHS agents who posed as police officers

The Guardian - World NewsEN 4 min read 100% complete by Alice Speri in New YorkFebruary 26, 2026 at 08:17 PM

AI Summary

medium article 4 min

A Columbia University student, Elmina Aghayeva, was arrested on Thursday by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents in New York City. The agents allegedly posed as NYPD officers searching for a missing child to gain entry to her residential building. Columbia University's acting president confirmed the university is seeking more information and providing legal support to the student. DHS stated Aghayeva, an Azerbaijani national, had her student visa terminated in 2016 for failing to attend classes and has no pending appeals. Local officials and friends of Aghayeva claim ICE agents impersonated NYPD officers to deceive campus security and gain access to her apartment, alleging civil rights violations. The NYPD stated they had no involvement in the federal operation.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States 30% Brad Hoylman-Sigal 40% Azerbaijan 40% Claire Shipman 50% New York City 60% New York Police Department (NYPD) ×260% Columbia University ×470% Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ×380% Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ×385% Ellie Aghayeva ×590%

Keywords

immigration arrest 90% elmina aghayeva 90% columbia university 80% dhs agents 80% false pretenses 70% ice 70% civil rights violations 60% student visa 60% illegal alien 50%