Federal immigration agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a Columbia University undergraduate student Feb. 26 at approximately 6:30 a.m. EST. The student, Elmina (Ellie) Aghayeva, was arrested after agents gained access to a university-owned apartment complex. Aghayeva, who is from Azerbaijan, was later released the same day and returned to her dormitory at 4:17 p.m.
Columbia University’s acting president, Claire Shipman, said that the five federal agents gained entry to the off-campus Columbia university-owned building without a warrant, stating that they were police in search of a missing child. Shipman detailed that Columbia University security cameras showed agents displaying images of the alleged missing child and failed to produce a warrant when asked.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that they arrested Aghayeva, reporting that the agents verbally identified themselves and wore visible badges. In a statement to CNN, the Department said Aghayeva’s visa had previously been terminated.
“[Aghayeva’s] 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,” the statement reads.
At 3:10 p.m., New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani shared a post on the platform X, stating President Trump informed him that Aghayeva will be released imminently.
In a statement to The Hustler, Vanderbilt University stated that it is aware of reports of Aghayeva’s arrest. Vanderbilt University stated that it has “established protocols” for responding to law enforcement requests, which are coordinated through the Public Safety Department and reviewed by the Office of the General Counsel.
“While law enforcement may access publicly accessible outdoor spaces, entry into non-public areas — such as residence halls, classrooms, offices, and other controlled-access facilities — requires judicial authorization,” the statement reads. “Our priority is to support the safety and well-being of our community while ensuring compliance with the law.”
Dr. Carrie Russell, senior lecturer in Vanderbilt University’s Department of Political Science, attributed her concern for Vanderbilt students to the current climate of Tennessee’s state government, which is currently under super-majority Republican control. She referenced legislation that would criminalize living in Tennessee for individuals who have been denied admission or removed from the nation.
“Unsurprisingly, legislation is working its way through committee this Wednesday that would officially criminalize living in Tennessee as an immigrant if the individual has been ‘found in this state after being denied admission, excluded, deported or removed from the United States,” Russell said. “This, despite the fact that only the Federal government has the power to enforce immigration violations, which, as referenced before, are technically CIVIL offenses.”
Russell believes that Aghayeva’s arrest and detention highlights the need for students and individuals within the Vanderbilt community to know their rights.
“Students and others similarly situated in Vanderbilt, should know your rights and have a plan in place (memorize important phone numbers — including VUPD [at] 615-322-2745 in case your phone is taken),” Russell said in a message to the Hustler. “Everyone in the U.S., regardless of immigration status, has the right to remain silent…[and] consult with legal counsel. On campus, ICE can be present in ‘public spaces’ but need to have a warrant signed by a judge in order to enter residence halls.”
Russell also highlighted resources from American Civil Liberties Union and National Immigration Law Center and reminded the Vanderbilt community to “look out for one another” and “be brave.”
Junior and pre-law fraternity Phi Alpha Delta president Emily Cha expressed concerns of how the arrest may impact immigrant and international students.
“As someone from an immigrant community, I feel that this is another attempt to intimidate and attack those simply pursuing a better life,” Cha said. “Claiming to ‘enforce the law’ while bypassing due process and using masked agents and impersonation to infiltrate spaces deepens fear and undermines the rule of law. This lawless administration is using the false pretext of ‘law enforcement’ to pursue anti-immigrant, racist policies.”
Senior and Vanderbilt College Democrats president Melanie Gerko said universities should work to ensure the safety of their students.
“Universities must be places where students can pursue their education without fear of intimidation or detainment by federal authorities acting outside clear and lawful procedures,” Gerko said. “We hope that institutions across the country, including Vanderbilt University, will stand firmly by their students and ensure their safety, due process rights and ability to learn without fear.”
First-year student Sabina Guliyeva, who is also from Azerbaijan, said that this incident felt “especially personal.”
“Many of us are far from home and navigating complex visa systems,” Guliyeva said. “Regardless of politics, I believe that universities should feel like safe spaces for students to learn and grow without fear.”
Junior Erin Kim said that they believe universities, including Vanderbilt, have the responsibility to ensure the safety of their students.
“It calls into the importance of the necessity of safety and being able to know that you are able to receive an education with no fear of violence,” Kim said.
Senior William Weidner expressed his hope that a similar incident will not occur on Vanderbilt University’s campus.
“It is scary to know that this has happened and may establish a precedent,” Weidner said. “I hope that the University will take reasonable precautions, measures and steps to protect the safety of Vanderbilt students.”
Vanderbilt Student Government did not provide a comment but emphasized that they are working to collect information and resources for students who may be impacted by ICE activity.
Vanderbilt College of Republicans failed to respond to a request for comment.
