A French scientist was denied entry to the United States after border officials discovered messages critical of President Trump on his phone. This incident sparked a firestorm of controversy over the limits of free speech and academic freedom under the current administration.
At a glance:
- French scientist detained by US Customs while traveling to a conference in Houston
- Officials found messages criticizing Trump’s science policies on his phone
- The scientist was sent back to France after an FBI investigation that was later dropped
- French government officials expressed concern over academic freedom
- Immigration attorneys now advise clients to scrub social media of anti-administration content
Border Officials Enforcing Trump’s Immigration Priorities
A researcher from France’s National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on March 9 while attempting to attend a scientific conference near Houston, Texas. The scientist was randomly selected for a search that uncovered private messages critical of President Trump’s science funding cuts, leading to immediate denial of entry despite having proper documentation.
The detention shines a light on the Trump administration’s increased scrutiny of foreign visitors, particularly those perceived as critics of American policies. Border officials reportedly referred the case to the FBI for investigation, though charges were later dropped after the scientist had already been expelled from the country.
France Responds to American “Censorship”
Philippe Baptiste, France’s Minister of Higher Education and Research, condemned the incident in an official statement. “I was told with concern that a French researcher, on a mission for the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), who was going to a conference near Houston, was banned from entering the U.S. before being expelled,” Baptiste said.
The French government acknowledged America’s sovereign right to control its borders but made it clear they view this as an assault on academic freedom. Baptiste emphasized that “freedom of opinion, free research, and academic freedom are values that we will continue to proudly uphold.”
The controversy comes amid broader tensions between traditional allies as the Trump administration implements stricter immigration controls. Similar incidents involving German tourists and a Canadian woman have also been reported.
France Extends Welcome to American Scientists
In response to what they see as hostility toward scientific freedom, French officials are actively recruiting American researchers concerned about the research environment under President Trump. Baptiste publicly criticized both the Trump administration and Elon Musk for cuts to research budgets in critical areas including health, climate, energy, and AI.
France is positioned to benefit from America’s potential brain drain, with Baptiste already sharing evidence of successful recruitment efforts. The Minister posted a photograph of a virtual meeting with an American researcher who accepted an invitation to relocate to Aix-Marseille University.
