NEW YORK (WABC) — Protesters gathered Thursday afternoon at Columbia University after school’s acting president said one of their students has been detained by the Department of 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.”
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams spoke out in response to the reports.
“Columbia’s leadershipbent the knee to the Trump administration last year, and this incidentshould show them that caving to this bullyonly invites further abuse,” Williams said. “Now, the institution needs toreverse course and stand with the faculty and staff committed to standing up- it’s on all of us to stand with immigrant New Yorkers- including the student detained and all those under threat.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul said she is seeking more information on the detention of the student.
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