Columbia Student Freed After Mayor Appeals to President

A Columbia University student walked free Thursday after spending just hours in federal custody, thanks to a timely intervention by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a scheduled White House meeting.

Elmina Aghayeva was detained early Thursday morning at her university residence by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Federal officials said her student visa had been terminated in 2016 for not attending classes, though she remained enrolled at Columbia years later.

The timing proved fortunate for Aghayeva. Mayor Mamdani happened to be visiting the White House that same day for a previously planned meeting with President Trump.

When Mamdani learned about the detention, he raised the issue directly with the president. Trump told the mayor that Aghayeva would be released, and she was freed later that day.

"I just got out a little while ago. I am safe and okay; I am in complete shock over what happened," Aghayeva wrote on Instagram after her release.

The arrest sparked immediate controversy over how federal agents gained access to university housing. Columbia University President Claire Shipman raised concerns about the entry method, while New York officials accused agents of misrepresenting themselves.

The Department of Homeland Security denied any wrongdoing. Officials said agents properly identified themselves, wore visible badges, and were granted access by both the building manager and Aghayeva's roommate.

The Bright Side

What could have been a lengthy detention ended in hours because the right person was in the right place at the right time. Mamdani's scheduled White House visit gave him direct access to resolve the situation immediately, rather than through weeks of legal proceedings.

The case also demonstrated that despite intense political divisions over immigration policy, individual cases can still be resolved through direct communication. A mayor from one party successfully advocated to a president from another party for a constituent's release.

Governor Kathy Hochul responded by calling for new legislation to protect students at sensitive locations like schools and dormitories. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal also pushed for additional safeguards on university campuses.

Aghayeva's quick release shows that even in complicated situations, personal advocacy and timely intervention can make all the difference.