Harvard researcher detained for failing to declare frog embryos at customs
- Kseniia Petrova, a Harvard researcher, was detained at Boston Logan Airport after failing to declare frog embryo samples in her luggage.
- She has been held in a Louisiana detention center since February, awaiting a judge's decision on her potential deportation to Russia.
- Her case highlights the challenges faced by foreign scientists in the U.S. and raises concerns about the implications for research in academic institutions.
In February 2025, Kseniia Petrova, a Russian-born medical researcher at Harvard, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after arriving at Boston's Logan Airport. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered undeclared frog embryo samples in her luggage. Petrova, who was in the U.S. on an exchange visitor visa, explained to the officers that she intended to bring the samples back to her lab for research purposes, not realizing they needed to be declared. After her luggage was searched, her phone was confiscated, and she was transferred to an overcrowded detention facility in Louisiana, where she has since awaited a judge's decision on her potential deportation back to Russia. Many in the scientific community view her detention as unjust and fear it could hinder international collaboration and discourage foreign research talent at U.S. institutions. Petrova's mentor emphasized that the samples she carried were not dangerous and that any violation should have only warranted a warning or a minimal fine. He firmly stated that she had not acted maliciously or with intent to deceive. On the other hand, a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security accused Petrova of lying to federal officers and attempting to smuggle the materials through customs, citing messages on her phone as evidence. The conditions at the detention center have placed additional stress on Petrova, who described the environment as restrictive but noted that she is trying to maintain a positive outlook amidst the uncertainty of her situation. Her attorney criticized the handling of her case, expressing concerns about her treatment as a criminal despite her scholarly background and intentions. Not only has Petrova been deprived of her freedom, but the scientific projects she has been crucial to are also at risk of being delayed without her involvement. Petrova's case shines a light on broader issues regarding the immigration system in the U.S. and how it impacts academic professionals. Many are worried that her detention could set a chilling precedent for recruiting foreign scientists, as the perception that they could be criminalized for minor infractions could deter skilled individuals from coming to the United States. This case has garnered attention, and its ramifications are being watched closely by both scientific and immigration law communities.