French scientist denied entry to US over anti-Trump messages

A French scientist was denied entry to the United States this month over messages critical of President Trump’s administration's research policies, according to France’s government.

Philippe Baptiste, France’s minister for higher education, said “he had learned with concern that a French academic who was going to a conference in Houston was denied entry before being deported” back to Europe.

The academic, who was not named, was on assignment for the National Center for Scientific Research, according to Baptiste.

"This measure was apparently taken by the American authorities because this researcher's phone contained exchanges with colleagues and friends in which he expressed a personal opinion on the Trump administration's research policy," Baptiste said in a statement to multiple outlets.

"Freedom of opinion, free research and academic freedom are values that we will continue to proudly uphold,” the minister added. “I will defend the possibility for all French researchers to be faithful to them, in compliance with the law.”

The incident happened on March 9, the Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency reported, citing a diplomatic source familiar with the matter.

The academic went through a random check when he arrived in the U.S. His computer and phone were reportedly searched. He was accused of sending messages that “expressed hatred towards Trump and can be qualified as terrorism,” AFP reported, citing another source familiar with the matter. All charges were dropped against him, according to AFP.

All people traveling to the U.S. border are subject to an inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). In rare instances, CBP officers might search the traveler’s computer, camera, phone or other electronic devices, the agency said on its website.

During the Munich Security Conference, Vice President JD Vance lit into European officials, accusing them of suppressing opposite viewpoints and backing off from “fundamental values.”

“To many of us on the other side of the Atlantic, it looks more and more like old, entrenched interests hiding behind Soviet-era words like ‘misinformation’ and ‘disinformation’ who simply don’t like the idea that somebody with an alternative viewpoint might express a different opinion or, God forbid, vote a different way or, even worse, win an election,” Vance said in mid-February.

The United Kingdom issued an updated travel advisory for those going to the U.S., telling people that they could face repercussions if they breach U.S. immigration laws. The notice came a day after Germany issued its own travel directive following the arrest of three of its citizens who were detained when attempting to enter the U.S.

The Hill has reached out to France’s ministry for higher education and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for comment.

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