Zohran Mamdani Kept Columbia Student in New York — Then Phoned With Trump to Secure Her Release

The Intercept
by Noah Hurowitz
February 26, 2026
6 views
4 min read

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The Bottom Line

A Columbia student was released from ICE custody after Mayor Mamdani intervened with President Trump.

How This Affects You

This incident highlights potential risks for international students and raises concerns about federal agents' tactics on university campuses.

AI Summary

A Columbia University student, Elmina Aghayeva, was released from federal immigration custody after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Thursday morning. Mayor Zohran Mamdani intervened, discussing her case with President Donald Trump, who subsequently called Mamdani to confirm her release. Aghayeva's detention followed agents allegedly gaining entry to university housing under false pretenses, claiming to be NYPD or Columbia security searching for a "missing person." This incident raises concerns about federal agents' tactics and highlights ongoing tensions regarding international student protections and immigration enforcement on university campuses.

What's Being Done

A Columbia University student was released from federal immigration custody after Mayor Mamdani intervened with President Trump.

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