Kseniia Petrova, a researcher from Harvard Medical School, is currently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after failing to declare frog embryo samples upon entry into the United States. Petrova insists that she did not lie to federal officers and that her statements were misunderstood, leading to inaccuracies in the official documents she was asked to sign. Despite admitting her error in not properly declaring the embryos, she argues that the samples are non-hazardous and that her detention is unwarranted. Petrova is awaiting a federal court hearing that could determine her release, but she faces the risk of deportation to Russia, where she could be arrested due to her opposition to the invasion of Ukraine. While in detention for over ten weeks, she has received support from colleagues and the scientific community, emphasizing her dedication to her research work as her life's purpose.

Kseniia Petrova, a Russian-born researcher at Harvard, was detained for not declaring frog embryo samples at U.S. customs, which she claims were non-hazardous and intended for cancer research.

Petrova maintains that she did not provide false information and that her statements were misinterpreted by customs officials, leading to inaccuracies in the documentation she signed.

The Department of Homeland Security accuses Petrova of planning to smuggle the samples, based on messages found on her phone, despite her assertion that she was never asked about biological materials during the inspection.

Petrova acknowledges her failure in reviewing customs paperwork but questions the rationale behind her detention, emphasizing her commitment to scientific research as her primary focus.

Her upcoming federal court hearing in Vermont could lead to her release if the court finds her detention unlawful, but she risks deportation to Russia, where she fears arrest due to her previous opposition to the Ukrainian invasion.

During her detention, Petrova has received support through letters and visits from colleagues, highlighting her reputation as a dedicated scientist who works long hours in the pursuit of her research.

Petrova's case emphasizes the complexities of international travel for researchers and the delicate nature of customs declarations involving scientific materials.