Columbia Student Released After Trump-Mamdani Talks

Feb 27, 2026

61 min

Feb 27, 2026 05:30

Trump‑Mamdani talks: Columbia student freed after White House intervention

## Columbia Student's Arrest and Release

Elmina Aghayeva, a student at Columbia University, was detained by ICE agents who entered her residence without a warrant, claiming to search for a missing child. Her arrest sparked significant outrage on campus.

## White House Intervention

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani discussed Aghayeva's case with President Donald Trump at the White House. Following their talks, Trump agreed to her release, which was confirmed by Aghayeva herself on social media.

## Unusual Political Alliance

The incident highlighted an unexpected collaboration between Trump, a Republican, and Mamdani, a democratic socialist. Despite their political differences, they appeared together in the Oval Office, signaling a temporary alliance.

## Immigration Tactics Criticized

Acting Columbia University President Claire Shipman criticized the ICE agents' methods as "frightening" and "unacceptable." Aghayeva's student visa had been terminated in 2016, but she was released pending a hearing.

## Calls for Stronger Protections

Mamdani urged Trump to reconsider cases against other students facing deportation. Columbia's community demanded better protections for international students, referencing past detentions.

## Continued Cooperation

This meeting marked Mamdani's second visit to the White House, where he and Trump agreed to work together on initiatives for New York, despite previous political tensions.

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