Zohran Mamdani: Trump Intervenes for Release of Columbia Student Elmina Aghayeva

New York State Assemblyman and mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has confirmed the release of Columbia University student Elmina Aghayeva from federal custody. The release followed a direct conversation between Mamdani and President Donald Trump regarding the student's detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Aghayeva, a citizen of Azerbaijan, had been taken into custody earlier this week, sparking significant concern within the university community and local political circles.

The Detention of Elmina Aghayeva by ICE

On February 26, Elmina Aghayeva was detained by agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE. According to official reports, the primary reason for her detention was the expiration of her student visa, which reportedly lapsed in 2016. Despite the visa status, Aghayeva had continued her residency and studies in the United States. She remained in federal custody for several hours as authorities processed her case, leading to immediate calls for intervention from her legal representatives and local advocates.

Academic Profile and Social Media Influence

Elmina Aghayeva is a senior at Columbia University’s School of General Studies, where she's majoring in Neuroscience and Political Science. Beyond her academic pursuits, she has established a significant presence as a social media influencer, boasting over 100,000 followers on various platforms. Her dual identity as a high-achieving student at an Ivy League institution and a prominent digital personality brought international attention to her sudden detention by immigration authorities.

Intervention by Zohran Mamdani and Donald Trump

The release was facilitated by New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, who utilized his direct line of communication with President Donald Trump. Mamdani shared on social media that during a recent interaction with the President, he expressed deep concerns regarding Aghayeva’s detention. Following this dialogue, Mamdani was informed that the student would be released. The Assemblyman’s involvement highlights the intersection of local constituent advocacy and federal executive discretion in immigration matters.

Post-Release Statement and Current Status

Shortly after her release, Elmina Aghayeva took to social media to update her followers on her condition. She expressed profound gratitude to those who advocated for her freedom and confirmed that she's now safe, while while she described the experience of being detained as traumatic, she reassured her supporters that she's physically well. Aghayeva’s legal team is expected to address the underlying visa issues to ensure her continued stay and completion of her degree at Columbia University.

Context of Immigration Enforcement and Local Advocacy

This incident occurs amidst a broader national debate on immigration enforcement and the status of international students. The swift resolution of Aghayeva’s case through political intervention underscores the influence of local leaders like Mamdani in navigating federal bureaucracy. While the immediate threat of deportation has been mitigated by her release, the case remains a point of discussion regarding the enforcement of visa regulations for long-term residents and students in the United States.