Judge dismisses case brought by Columbia student detained by immigration agents

A legal case brought by the Columbia student detained by immigration agents inside her off-campus apartment has been dismissed, according to court records.

Elmina "Ellie" Aghayeva was taken into Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials Thursday morning. 

The incident triggered widespread criticism from political leaders across New York, and later that day, hundreds gathered at Columbia University for a peaceful demonstration. 

Aghayeva asked a federal judge last week to release her from immigration custody, a case known as a habeas corpus petition. But since federal officials released her from detention around 12 hours after she was taken into custody, U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla dismissed the habeas petition on Monday, agreeing with a request from the Justice Department.

Claims of false representation

The university's acting president, Claire Shipman, said the agents entered the Columbia residential building, saying they were searching for a missing child.

"Our security cameras captured the agents in the hallway showing pictures of the alleged missing child," part of her statement read. 

The Department of Homeland Security rejected the allegations. 

"The building manager and her roommate let officers into the apartment," DHS said in a statement, in part. "The Homeland Security Investigators verbally identified themselves and visibly wore badges around their necks. They did NOT and would not identify themselves as NYPD."

Immigration officials told CBS News they arrested Aghayeva, who is from Azerbaijan. DHS said her student visa was revoked "for failing to attend classes" in 2016.

After about 12 hours in custody, she was released that afternoon. Aghayeva posted on social media, saying, "I just got out a little while ago. I am safe and okay. I am so sorry, but I am in complete shock over what happened ... I need a little bit of time to process everything."  

Democratic lawmakers urge Columbia to release video

Democratic city lawmakers said Monday it's pivotal for Columbia to share its footage of the incident to find out if any laws were violated. 

"In the absence of them releasing these files of security and bodycam footage, what is the public led to believe? And that's why it's impossible to nip this in the bud as quickly as possible," Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said. 

Columbia said it cannot release the video without a subpoena because it would break university policy.

The lawmakers also urged NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch to release any footage of the incident on officers' body worn cameras as well.

Aghayeva and her attorney did not respond to CBS News New York's requests for comment.

NYC Mayor Mamdani advocates for Aghayeva

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was in Washington, D.C., for a meeting with President Trump when the incident happened. 

He said he spoke with the president about what happened, and that Mr. Trump told him the student would be "released imminently." 

Editor's note (3/3): This article has been corrected to clarify that Aghayeva's case against the government was dismissed.