An immigration judge has deemed the U.S. government’s deportation case against Kseniia Petrova legally deficient, resulting in a potential delay in the proceedings. Petrova, a Russian-born Harvard scientist, has been held in ICE detention in Louisiana for two months. The judge ruled that the deportation proceedings did not meet legal standards, giving ICE one week to submit additional documentation. A final decision on Petrova’s asylum application could be months away. Her attorney is working to secure her release while legal processes are ongoing.
Petrova was arrested at a Boston airport in February and faces deportation to Russia, where she fears persecution for her protests against the war in Ukraine. She remains in ICE custody at Richwood Correctional Center in Monroe, Louisiana. Petrova’s attorney has filed a federal case in Vermont challenging her unlawful visa cancellation and detention. A hearing for this case is scheduled for May 14.
The Department of Homeland Security has accused Petrova of lying to federal officers about carrying substances into the country. They claim she had undeclared biological materials without proper permits, intending to smuggle them through customs. However, Petrova disputes these claims, stating that she did disclose having biological samples and was confused by the customs procedures during a lengthy interrogation. The outcome of the federal case in Vermont may impact Petrova’s detention status before the July immigration court hearing in Louisiana.
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