In a surprising turn of events at Columbia University, federal agents detained a student in the early hours of Thursday morning, causing an uproar within the academic community. The university’s acting president, Claire Shipman, communicated the incident through an email, highlighting significant concerns about the methods used by these agents.

Alleged Misrepresentation and Detainment

The incident, which occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m., involved federal agents reportedly using misleading tactics to gain access to a campus residential building. Shipman stated that the agents claimed to be searching for a “missing person,” an assertion that has since been challenged by multiple sources.

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal took to social media to condemn the incident, alleging that the agents impersonated NYPD officers. He described the civil rights violations as “staggering,” highlighting the severity of the situation.

Detained Student and Legal Concerns

The Department of Homeland Security later identified the detained individual as Elmina Aghayeva, an immigrant from Azerbaijan. Her student visa had reportedly been revoked in 2016 due to failure to attend classes. Homeland Security’s statement did not address the accusations of misrepresentation or impersonation.

The New York Police Department distanced itself from the incident, affirming that it had no involvement in the federal agents’ actions. This separation raised further questions about the legitimacy of the agents’ conduct.

Political and Public Reactions

New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed serious concerns about the legality of the arrest, questioning the presence of a valid warrant. “These actions are out of control,” she stated, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation.

Local and state officials, including City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Senator Chuck Schumer, echoed these sentiments. They criticized the agents for entering the university’s property without appropriate legal documentation and demanded transparency from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding the student’s status.

Calls for Legislative Action

Governor Hochul has proposed legislation to prevent ICE from accessing sensitive locations such as educational institutions without proper warrants. This proposal aims to safeguard students and faculty from similar incidents in the future.

New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams condemned the deceptive tactics reportedly employed by the agents, describing them as “despicable and lawless.” His sentiment was shared by several other public figures, including Rep. Adriano Espaillat and Rep. Jerry Nadler, who called for stricter protections for students and university communities.

The incident at Columbia University has sparked a broader discussion about the role of federal immigration enforcement on academic campuses, prompting a reevaluation of policies to ensure the safety and rights of students are upheld.

Originally reported by cbsnews.com. Rewritten by 360DailyTrend editorial staff.