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Columbia student detained, then released by group claiming to be 'federal agents,' says school president
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Sep 10, 2025
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By
Catalina Gonella
Published Sep 10, 2025
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A Columbia University graduate student was detained and subsequently released by several people claiming to be federal agents near the school on Tuesday, according to an announcement from acting University President Claire Shipman.
The student, who wasn’t named in the announcement, was handcuffed and then released on the streets near the Manhattanville campus by several individuals who stated they were federal agents but never provided identification “legible to the student,” Shipman wrote in the announcement posted on Columbia's website.
It is unclear how many people were involved, or whether they were actually government officers.
“The incident is deeply disturbing, and the University is working to obtain additional details, including any video evidence to share with local law enforcement,” Shipman’s announcement reads. “It is vital that every member of our community feel safe, on and off campus.”
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had yet to reply to a request for comment on Wednesday afternoon. An NYPD spokesperson said the department did not have any information about the incident.
ICE agents arrested and detained multiple Columbia students earlier this year, who were targeted by the Trump administration for their pro-Palestinian activism. Masked plainclothes federal immigration agents have carried out arrests both in New York City and across the country.
This story may be updated with additional information.
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Catalina Gonella
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