French Scientist Denied U.S. Entry Over Messages Critical of Trump Administration

The deportation, following a border search of his devices, has drawn condemnation from France over concerns about free speech and academic freedom.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection barred a French scientist from entering the country after finding messages on his devices critical of President Trump's science policies.
The incident occurred on March 9, 2025, as the scientist was traveling to Houston for a conference organized by the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS).
Messages on the scientist's phone and computer were described by U.S. authorities as 'hateful and conspiratorial,' prompting a brief FBI investigation that was later dropped.
The French government strongly condemned the deportation, citing concerns over freedom of speech, academic freedom, and international scientific collaboration.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and CBP have not commented on the incident, which has sparked broader criticism of the Trump administration's immigration policies and treatment of foreign nationals.