Federal Judge Orders Release of Russian Scientist Held by ICE
A federal judge has ordered the release of Kseniia Petrova, a Russian-born scientist detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Boston’s Logan Airport. Petrova, 31, was apprehended three months ago for allegedly failing to declare frog embryos, which were intended for her research at Harvard Medical School’s Kirschner Lab.
Chief Judge Christina Reiss of the District of Vermont ruled on Wednesday that Petrova posed neither a flight risk nor a danger to the community. The judge cited expert testimony indicating that the embryos were non-hazardous and part of vital cancer research. "Her work is described as of excellent, exceptional, and national importance," Judge Reiss stated, emphasizing that Petrova’s research contributes to developments in cancer treatments.
Petrova was detained upon returning from a vacation in France and faced a smuggling charge linked to the undeclared biological material. Her attorney, Gregory Romanovsky, criticized the government’s use of immigration detention, asserting it punishes non-citizens for unrelated conduct.
The judge mentioned the possibility of a bail hearing for Petrova, currently held at an ICE center in Louisiana, and noted she was apprehensive about the potential for the government to re-detain her. Petrova’s visa, which allowed her to conduct research in the U.S., was canceled following her arrest.
Leonid Peshkin, head of her lab, stated that Petrova’s absence has significantly impacted ongoing research. Concerns remain about her safety if deported to Russia, especially in light of her vocal opposition to the war in Ukraine.
As the legal proceedings continue, multiple federal agencies have not commented on the case.
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