NEW YORK (WABC) — Columbia University reports that one of their students has been detained by Homeland Security.
In a letter to members of the Columbia community the university says that federal agents entered a residential building and detained a student around 6:30 a.m. on Thursday.
“Our understanding at this time is that the federal agents made misrepresentations to gain entry to the building to search for a “missing person.” We are working to gather more details,” Columbia said in the letter.
They advise students, “If law enforcement agents seek entry to non-public areas of the University, ask the agents to wait to enter any non-public areas until contacting Public Safety. Public Safety will contact the Office of the General Counsel to coordinate the University’s response. Do not allow them to enter or accept service of a warrant or subpoena.”
The university’s acting president, Claire Shipman, concluded the letter by saying that they will provide updates as information becomes available.
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and City Council Majority Leader Shaun Abreu’s released a joint statement saying:
“This morning we were briefed on a disturbing incident on the Columbia campus. Around 6:30am, ICE reportedly made misrepresentations to a security officer, purporting to be searching for a missing person. The agents subsequently detained a student.
“ICE has no place in our schools and universities. These activities do not make our city or country safer, but rather drive mistrust and danger. As Columbia College alumni, our hearts are with the community there, and we have been in contact with the University to offer our assistance.”
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