New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani reported that during a recent meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump assured him that Elaina Aghayeva, a Columbia University student detained by immigration agents, would be released imminently. Aghayeva was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) just hours before Mamdani's conversation with Trump, prompting the mayor to express his concerns directly to the President.

In a follow-up communication, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to Aghayeva's release. The circumstances surrounding her detention raised eyebrows when it was reported that ICE agents may have used false pretenses to gain entry into a campus building to apprehend her. The university has publicly condemned the actions of the immigration agents, suggesting a troubling approach in enforcing immigration laws on or near academic institutions.

The implications extend beyond Aghayeva's individual case, reflecting broader debates over immigration policy in the United States, especially as they pertain to students and educational environments. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement practices and the rights of individuals, particularly in educational settings, and may catalyze further discussions about immigration reform.