Need to know
Columbia University student Elaina Aghayeva was arrested by ICE officers in a surprise early morning raid at her student accommodation before being released after NYC Mayor intervention with Donald Trump
Everything you need to know
- A Columbia University student was dramatically freed from immigration detention after her arrest sparked outrage across New York.
- Elaina Aghayeva was nabbed by ICE officers in a controversial early morning raid at her student accommodation, with agents allegedly tricking their way in by pretending to search for a missing child.
- The officers reportedly gained entry “without any kind of warrant” according to acting university president Claire Shipman, who slammed the “utterly unacceptable” breach of protocol.
- After public outcry, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani intervened directly with President Trump, announcing on X: “Just got off the phone with President Trump… He has just informed me that she will be released imminently.”
- Aghayeva’s photo went viral on social media, with users speculating her looks influenced her release, with one writing: “If she’s a nine, she’s fine.”
- The Azerbaijani national’s student visa was reportedly revoked in 2016 for not attending classes, but she was due to graduate this year.
- Columbia University confirmed they were “relieved and thrilled” their student had been released and condemned the “frightening” incident.
READ THE FULL STORY: Trump releases student detained by ICE as he is accused of letting ‘9s and above stay’
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