A Russian national employed as a researcher at Harvard Medical School was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials at Boston Logan International Airport during a reentry inspection earlier this week.
Kseniia Petrova, who has been working on advanced medical research in the Boston area, was taken into custody by immigration authorities upon arrival from an overseas trip. According to federal officials, the detention was tied to questions about her visa status and compliance with specific travel restrictions related to foreign researchers.
Petrova, who holds a temporary work visa, had reportedly traveled abroad for personal reasons and was returning to continue her work under a research appointment. During her reentry, ICE agents flagged her for secondary inspection, which resulted in her being held for further questioning and processing.
Authorities have not publicly detailed the exact reason for the detention but confirmed that the case is under review by immigration officials. Harvard Medical School has acknowledged Petrova’s status as a researcher and stated that the institution is working to understand the circumstances of the situation.
Legal representatives for Petrova are expected to challenge the detention if it results in any visa revocation or deportation proceedings. Colleagues and academic supporters have expressed concern about the potential disruption to her work and the precedent such enforcement actions may set for international scholars.
Petrova remains in federal custody pending the outcome of the review. ICE officials have not indicated whether she will be released or transferred for removal proceedings. The case is drawing attention within academic and legal circles, particularly as visa-related scrutiny of foreign researchers has intensified in recent years.