ICE agents said to have posed as police, a tactic some fear could erode trust in real cops

"According to a statement later released by Columbia, the agents had gained access to the building by posing as police in search of a 5-year-old - going so far as to present a flyer of the "missing child" to a campus safety officer. The ruse allowed them to make their way to the apartment of Ellie Aghayeva, an international student from Azerbaijan who immigration officials claim overstayed her visa."

"While such tactics are not illegal, former police officers said the apparent misrepresentation at Columbia represented a startling escalation, one that could gravely undermine public trust during the next emergency. "If the police are actually looking for a child in danger, people are now going to be more hesitant to help," said Mi"

"The arrest has prompted widespread censure and calls for investigation by Democrats, as well as a surprising intervention by President Donald Trump. The Republican informed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani that Aghayeva was being released shortly after meeting with the Democratic mayor Thursday."

ICE agents conducted an operation at Columbia University by impersonating police officers and presenting a fabricated missing child flyer to gain access to a residential building. They targeted Ellie Aghayeva, an international student from Azerbaijan, whom immigration officials claim overstayed her visa. The deceptive tactics prompted widespread criticism from Democrats and unexpected intervention from President Trump, who announced her release. The incident has raised concerns about the deteriorating relationship between New York City police and ICE, as federal agents increasingly disguise themselves as utility workers and other professionals. Former police officers warn such misrepresentation could severely damage public trust and cooperation during genuine emergencies.

Read at AP News