French scientist barred from U.S. over critical messages
A French researcher was turned back at the U.S. border after American authorities searched his computer and phone during a random check. The French government indicated that entry was denied due to private messages in which the scientist expressed an unfavourable opinion about the Trump administration.
"I learned with concern" that a French researcher had travelled to the U.S. this month on assignment for the National Center for Scientific Research but "was denied entry to the United States before being expelled, said the French Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Philippe Baptiste, as reports The Independent. He added that the decision was related to exchanging messages "with colleagues and friends in which he expressed a personal opinion on the Trump administration's research policy," reports Le Monde.
The scientist allegedly criticized the Trump administration's decisions regarding, among other things, budget cuts for science and restrictions on publicly funded research topics.
According to sources, U.S. authorities characterized the content of the messages as “hateful and conspiratorial” and suggested that they could be considered a manifestation of terrorism. The researcher’s equipment was confiscated, and he was sent back to Europe. In the course of the FBI investigation, it was ultimately concluded that "charges were dropped,” it reads.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminded that the U.S. has "sovereignty" over allowing foreigners entry but emphasized its “desire to promote freedom of expression” and “deplores the situation.”
Freedom of opinion, free research, and academic freedom are values that we will continue to proudly uphold. I will defend the right of all French researchers to be faithful to them, while respecting the law – emphasized Baptiste.
German tourists became victims of Trump's decision
On Sunday, we also read about the story of German tourists. Two Germans wanted to cross the U.S.-Mexico border. They were detained for several weeks, were not given reasons for this decision, and were then forced to return to their country.
Two German tourists travelling to the United States were detained, handcuffed, and then deported. They fell victim to a system adapting to President Donald Trump’s policy - this is how German and American media reported on the case.
As reported by "The New York Times," 29-year-old Jessica Brösche was held by U.S. authorities for 46 days, and 25-year-old Lucas Sielaff for 16 days. They were detained—each separately—at the border crossing between San Diego and Tijuana.
They said they were denied entry to the U.S. and transported to an overcrowded detention centre. Both were ultimately forced to return to Germany—reportedly without a clear explanation as to why they were detained.
Deportation actions in the U.S
Donald Trump, serving as President of the U.S., announced during his election campaign that he intended to deport migrants illegally residing in the United States. His plan includes all nationalities.
Following Donald Trump’s assumption of office, arrests and deportation actions began. U.S. authorities primarily focus on individuals who have been residing in the U.S. without legal status for an extended period.
Just two months into Trump’s presidency, scenarios warned by experts and many commentators began to materialize. The first victims of this policy and the system attempting to adapt to it have emerged.
