New York, NY—Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security detained a Columbia University undergraduate student inside one of the school’s residential buildings, after intentionally misrepresenting themselves to gain entry to the building. Students at Columbia University have been repeatedly targeted by federal immigration enforcement, including Mahmoud Khalil, Ranjani Srinivasan, Yunseo Chung and Leqaa Kordia. NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdami has stated that the student will be released.
“ICE lies, plain and simple. Federal agents should never misrepresent themselves to the public, private security or law enforcement. Elaina Aghayeva should be attending classes today, but is instead locked up because of the actions of an unlawful rogue agency. None of ICE’s actions make our country any safer – ICE fuels violence, mistrust and danger. We demand that Congress not spend one more dime on DHS and abolish ICE. Aghayeva must be released immediately. We also call on Columbia to implement the policies needed to protect all students from predatory federal immigration enforcement. When institutions fail to protect their students, everyone on campus remains insecure and unsafe,” said Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition.
“Students and faculty should not fear for their safety in their dorm rooms, the classroom, or anywhere else on campus. This exhibit of the Trump Administration’s lawless actions — which are rarely supported by legitimate warrants or subpoenas — is yet another reminder that Columbia University and other institutions must enhance the protections and policies they utilize to create a safe environment for those they serve and employ,” said Congressmember Adriano Espaillat.