Overview

• The French scientist was stopped for a random security check upon arrival in Houston, Texas, on March 9, 2025, where U.S. border officials searched his electronic devices.
• Messages critical of the Trump administration’s research policies were found on his phone, which officials described as 'hateful and conspiratorial' and potentially linked to terrorism.
• The FBI opened an investigation into the researcher but later dropped the charges; his electronic devices were confiscated, and he was deported to France the following day.
• French Minister of Higher Education Philippe Baptiste condemned the decision, emphasizing the importance of academic freedom and freedom of opinion.
• The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection have not issued an official response, as diplomatic tensions between France and the U.S. over scientific collaboration escalate.