On February 16, “ICE arrested Kseniia Petrova”. She’s since relocated to Boston as a scientist in residence at Harvard Medical School, and she was at Boston Logan International Airport when it erupted. She had just been on a work trip to France. Then surprise, US customs detained her over an error on her declaration form. While the import of frog embryo samples in her possession may have been legal, it was the mistake that caused her to be detained.
Petrova’s former colleague, Leon Peshkin, lauded her as an exceptional researcher. It’s a visa that allows her to work, travel, and participate equitably in the US. After the action, her visa was immediately canceled and she was not allowed to reenter the country. “We had no idea initially what had happened to her since she was unable to send any messages or make any calls upon detention,” said Cora Anderson, who has been supporting Petrova through this ordeal.
Perhaps the biggest concern is the change in legal consequences for illegal flora/fauna importing. Violating this requirement typically results in a $500 fine. Nevertheless, immigration authorities began proceedings to deport Petrova back to Russia. Petrova worries about political persecution if forced to return. She has staged protests against the Russian invasion of Ukraine and demanded the impeachment of Vladimir Putin. Her activism led to an arrest in Russia, deepening her fears if she were to return.
Right now, Petrova sits in ICE custody, waiting for an asylum hearing. First moved to a facility in Vermont, she was later moved against her will to a facility in Louisiana. “Where she is now is a jail that has space rented by ICE and is kept in a room with over 80 other female detainees,” Anderson noted.
Petrova’s visa application is expected to take several months. In the meantime, she had no ability to work or get a paycheck, which was devastating financially. While eligible for parole as she waits for her asylum hearing, paroles are apparently not being issued. Her supporters have begun to flock to her defense, including Anderson, who launched a GoFundMe campaign to help Petrova’s needs while she is in detention.