Kseniia Petrova, a scientist originally from Russia and a researcher at Harvard University, has found herself in a precarious situation, having been detained at Boston Logan Airport for 68 days.
Petrova was traveling legally within the United States but was apprehended for carrying undeclared frog embryo samples. This incident has thrust her into the ongoing immigration debates sparked by President Trump’s administration, which has focused on mass deportations.
Currently, Petrova is housed in a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Louisiana, awaiting a decision from an immigration judge regarding her potential deportation back to Russia. There, she fears imprisonment or something worse due to her outspoken political views.
The Department of Homeland Security alleges that Petrova knowingly violated laws regarding the importation of biological materials. Supporters and friends have defended her actions, arguing the incident was minor and should only have resulted in a fine, not detention.
As she waits for her case to unfold, Petrova’s colleagues express concern that ongoing research projects will be delayed without her expertise. They rely on her contributions to utilize a unique cancer-detecting microscope, crucial for their work in cell division studies.
In a recent video call from the detention center, Petrova described her challenging living conditions, sharing that she lives in a crowded dormitory with 98 other women—many of whom are Latin American immigrants or individuals detained for missing regulatory checks with ICE.
Petrova noted the variety of backgrounds among her fellow detainees, highlighting that many were held without clear reasons for their detention. Her dormitory, which has steel bunk beds and communal facilities, serves as the small world she inhabits.
“The truth is on my side,” Petrova remarked during the call, despite the discomfort she faces daily, including terrible food and insufficient privacy. She explained that, on some nights, the cold conditions in the dorm lead to shivering, and the constant noise makes day-to-day life difficult.
The situation leading to her detention began when Petrova vacationed in France, where she obtained the frog embryo samples for research. Upon returning through customs at the Boston airport, she was questioned about the items, and after expressing that she was unaware of the need to declare them, her visa was subsequently canceled.
The Department of Homeland Security asserted that Petrova misled federal officers during the checking process. They allege that messages found on her phone indicated she intended to smuggle the materials without declaring them to customs.
In contrast, her mentor, Leon Peshkin, emphasized that the embryo samples were neither dangerous nor biohazardous. He expressed his belief in her character and that any action taken against her was disproportionate, suggesting she should have faced only a warning or minor fine.
A Harvard representative stated that the university is closely monitoring the ongoing situation concerning Petrova’s case.
Peshkin also underscored the crucial role Petrova plays in their research team, stating, “She has made herself crucial to pretty much every project that’s going on in the lab. I don’t know how we’re gonna continue without her.”
Colleagues have rallied to show their support, with students and staff visiting her weekly. For example, postdoctoral fellow Will Trim recently traveled to Louisiana to see her, acknowledging that much of their ongoing research relies on Petrova’s unique skill set in analyzing cancer detection imaging.
The broader implications of Petrova’s case echo in the scientific community, where many fear it could affect the recruitment and retention of foreign scientists in the United States. Petrova had previously fled Russia amid fears for her safety following the country’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
“I am afraid I will be imprisoned because of my political position and my position against war,” Petrova stated, reflecting the precarious state of many who dare to dissent.
A recent ruling from a Louisiana immigration judge deemed the government’s case against her legally insufficient, requesting ICE to provide stronger evidence for her continued detention.
Petrova’s ongoing ordeal remains closely monitored, as it highlights broader issues surrounding immigration policy and the treatment of scientists from abroad.
As the case progresses, Peshkin firmly believes that foreign scientists enrich the American scientific landscape. He asserted, “Foreign scientists come here with gifts … they are highly skilled experts who are in demand. They enrich the American scientific community.”
The tale of Kseniia Petrova transcends her personal struggle—it raises critical questions about immigration enforcement, the value of international cooperation in research, and the growing concerns regarding political persecution and scientific freedom.
image source from：https://www.wbur.org/news/2025/04/28/kseniia-petrova-ice-detention-russia-deportation-harvard
