Ellie Aghayeva: Columbia University student released after arrest by Homeland Security, shares update; ‘Safe and well’

The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that the message from Agaeva Azerbaijan She was studying at Columbia University on a student visa, but her visa was terminated in 2016 after she allegedly “failed to attend class.” Shortly after her arrest, at around 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, Ahayeva posted an update asking for help from a residence owned by the university.

“I am so grateful to each and every one of you. I just came out a while ago. I am safe and doing well. Back home in a super OTW,” she wrote. In the background, she posted a photo of what appeared to be a view from the window of her Uber car.

“I’m sorry but I’m completely shocked by what happened and my phone has been buzzing with calls from reporters,” she continued. “I need a little time to process everything, I’ll be back soon. But please don’t worry.”

This is her screenshot Instagram story:

The Department of Homeland Security claimed that the agents were allowed into the residence by the building manager and Akhaeva’s roommate. The building is located on West 121st Street.

Also read: Who is Ellie Agaeva? Columbia University student ‘unlawfully’ arrested by Homeland Security agents

“Our current understanding is that federal agents made false statements in order to enter the building to search for a ‘missing person,'” Shipman said in a statement. “We are working to gather additional details.” Meanwhile, a Department of Homeland Security statement read: “The building manager and her roommate allowed police to enter the apartment.”

In response to the arrests, Columbia University has asked immigration agents to present a subpoena or judicial warrant, not just an administrative order, in order to conduct searches of non-public areas on campus.

Aghayeva is a senior studying neuroscience at Columbia University and a content creator. She is on Instagram and Tik Tok.