Overview

• A French scientist traveling to a Houston conference was denied entry to the U.S. after border officials found private messages critical of Trump administration science policies.
• The scientist's phone and computer were searched during a random border inspection, leading officials to classify the messages as potentially threatening.
• U.S. authorities confiscated the scientist's work materials and deported him back to Europe on March 10, 2025.
• French Research Minister Philippe Baptiste criticized the decision, reaffirming France's commitment to academic freedom and free expression.
• The incident has raised broader concerns about privacy, free speech, and the discretionary power of U.S. border officials under the Trump administration.