DHS says Columbia student who was detained had a visa that expired under Obama

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told Fox News Digital that agents detained a Columbia University student who was in the country illegally. The student visa of the student, whom DHS identified as Elmina Aghayeva, expired in 2016.

A DHS spokesperson told Fox News Digital: “ICE arrested Elmina Aghayeva, an illegal alien from Azerbaijan whose student visa was terminated under the Obama administration in 2016 for failure to attend classes. The building manager and her roommate allowed officers into the apartment. She has no appeal or appeal pending with DHS.”

Columbia University in New York City said Thursday that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents entered a residential building and detained a student. The university said federal agents entered the residence hall at approximately 6:30 a.m. local time.

“Our current understanding is that federal agents made false statements to enter the building in search of a ‘missing person.’ We are working to gather more details,” Columbia University said in a statement. he said. “It is important to reiterate that all law enforcement officers must have a criminal warrant or judicial subpoena for access to non-public areas of the University, including residences, classrooms, and areas requiring CUID swipe access. An administrative arrest warrant is not sufficient.”

The university said law enforcement officers with a criminal warrant or subpoena who wish to access non-public areas of the university should contact public safety, which will then contact “the Office of General Counsel to coordinate the university’s response.”

A Columbia University ID (CUID) is not required to enter most Columbia University buildings, but accessing the interior of the buildings requires passing through turnstiles with ID.

Citing rules on the Columbia campus, DHS said the incident did not take place on campus.

An anti-ICE agitator holds a sign during a demonstration at Columbia University. (WNYW)

MORE THAN A DOZENS OF ANTI-ICE BLENDERS WERE REMOVED BY NYPD NEAR COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

New York City Council President Julie Menin and Majority Leader Shaun Abreu issued a joint statement condemning the incident. They said the agents’ actions increased “insecurity and danger” in the city and the country.

“ICE has no place in our schools and universities. These activities do not make our city or country safer, but instead encourage mistrust and danger. As alumni of Columbia College, our hearts go out to the community there and we have been in contact with the University to offer our assistance,” the statement said.

Barricades were set up outside Columbia University after federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security entered a university housing building early Thursday morning, February 26, 2026, and detained a student. (Ryan Murphy/Getty Images)

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Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration, walked back when asked about the incident on Thursday. The governor told reporters that details of the situation were still “emerging” and that the agents “misrepresented” themselves, indicating the “out-of-control” nature of the administration’s crackdown.

“I still need to learn the details, this is just evolving. I don’t want to speak out of turn here, but if that’s the case, it proves our point: this is an organization out of control. They need to focus, reorganize, retrain. Start over, it doesn’t work,” he said.

Mamdani’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

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