Detained Columbia student released after Mamdani talks with Trump

The Guardian World

by Alice Speri and Sara Braun in New York

February 26, 2026

Ellie Aghayeva confirms freedom hours after Department of Homeland security agents access residence hall Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox The Columbia University student arrested and detained by ICE on Thursday morning has been released, according to social media. The student, Ellie Aghayeva, posted a story to her Instagram account in which she confirmed her release. “I just got out a little while ago,” the statement reads. “I am safe and okay. In an uber otw [on the way] home.” In her post, Aghayeva said that she is currently being inundated with calls from reporters. She writes: “I need a little bit of time to process everything. I will come back soon. But please don’t worry.” Continue reading...

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/26/2026