Mamdani pitches Trump on housing in latest White House visit

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited the White House to meet with President Donald Trump, during which he made a direct appeal regarding the detention of a Columbia University student, Elmina Aghayeva. Aghayeva was arrested by immigration agents earlier that day after federal agents entered one of the university's residential buildings without a warrant and under false pretenses. Following Mamdani's intervention, President Trump agreed to release Aghayeva from custody. The meeting between Mamdani and Trump was unannounced and focused on the urgent matter of Aghayeva's detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Reports indicate that Mamdani sought the administration's assistance not only for Aghayeva but also for another individual, Mahmoud Khalil, although specific details regarding Khalil's situation were not provided in the sources. Aghayeva's release came shortly after the meeting, highlighting the impact of Mamdani's advocacy on behalf of the detained student. The incident has drawn attention to the practices of ICE and the circumstances surrounding the arrest, which involved allegations of entering the university without proper legal justification. The swift resolution of Aghayeva's case following Mamdani's appeal underscores the potential influence of local officials in federal immigration matters. This incident reflects ongoing tensions and discussions regarding immigration enforcement in educational institutions, as well as the role of local government in addressing the concerns of students and their families.