Immigration Agents Arrest Student Inside Columbia Building, School Says

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by Sharon Otterman

February 26, 2026

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Federal immigration agents reportedly misrepresented themselves to gain access inside a Columbia Building, where they arrested a student, according to university officials. Claire Shipman, the acting president of the institution, stated that the federal officials posed as university employees or law enforcement to enter the premises. The incident has sparked concerns among faculty and students about privacy rights and due process on campus. The university administration is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the arrest to determine if their policies were properly followed. While the exact charges against the student remain unclear, Shipman emphasized that the university supports the legal process while advocating for transparency in such operations. The incident has raised questions about how law enforcement interacts with academic institutions and whether such practices could set a precedent for future interactions. Public reaction to the event has been mixed, with some expressing concern over potential violations of institutional autonomy. Advocacy groups have called for an investigation into the agents' actions, particularly their ability to misrepresent themselves on campus. Legal experts suggest that this case could set a legal and policy precedent for how schools handle immigration enforcement activities in the future. The matter also highlights broader tensions between law enforcement and academic institutions regarding access to campuses and student records. Universities often balance the need to protect student privacy with compliance with federal laws. This incident underscores the importance of clear communication and cooperation between educational institutions and government agencies, particularly when dealing with sensitive matters like immigration enforcement. Ultimately, this case raises important questions about campus security, legal boundaries, and the role of universities in addressing law enforcement actions. The outcome could influence how schools approach similar situations in the future, balancing their obligations to students and legal authorities while safeguarding institutional values and privacy rights.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/26/2026