0 CommentsA graduate student was handcuffed and released by several individuals claiming to be federal agents last Tuesday, according to an email from Acting President Claire Shipman.
On Tuesday, September 9, the Columbia community received an email from Acting President Claire Shipman regarding the temporary detainment of a Columbia graduate student near the Manhattanville campus by “several individuals who stated they were federal agents.” According to Shipman, the student was detained, handcuffed, and released by the individuals, who did not provide legible identification.
Shipman called the incident “deeply disturbing,” stating that “the University is working to obtain additional details” to share with law enforcement.
She went on to provide links to resources available through the Public Safety office and the University’s protocols for interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on campus, stressing that all students should review University safety procedures.
Shipman concluded the statement by encouraging “everyone to look after one another,” and to alert Public Safety or local law enforcement in the event of suspicious activity.
Email sent to the Columbia community from Acting President Claire Shipman at 7:24 pm on September 9, 2025:
Dear members of the Columbia community,
Today, we were made aware of a troubling situation involving a Columbia graduate student on the streets near our Manhattanville campus, who was approached by several individuals who stated they were federal agents. Our student was detained on the street, handcuffed by these individuals, and then subsequently released. The individuals did not provide identification legible to the student. We are providing support services to our affected student.
This incident is deeply disturbing, and the University is working to obtain additional details, including any video evidence to share with local law enforcement.
It also serves as a strong reminder to our community of the many resources available through our Public Safety office to help keep you safe on and off campus. From our shuttle service to the frequent Public Safety patrols, every member of the Columbia community should review these available resources and know how to access them in case of an emergency.
Additionally, the University has clear protocols on interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on campus. Those protocols can be easily accessed online.
It is vital that every member of our community feel safe, on and off campus. I encourage everyone to look after one another, and if you see something, say something. Alert our Public Safety team at 212-853-3333 or call 911.
Sincerely,
Claire Shipman
Acting President, Columbia University in the City of New York
Manhattanville via Columbia
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