June 13, 2025
In a significant development, a judge has ordered the release of a research associate from a prestigious medical institution, who had been detained for nearly four months. The individual, originally from Russia, faced challenges upon attempting to re-enter the United States.
Despite her release, Kseniia Petrova is still confronted with a serious legal issue, as she is charged with attempting to smuggle frog embryos into the country at Boston’s Logan International Airport. Customs and Border Protection officials apprehended her during this incident, but she has been granted temporary freedom.
“I hear it’s sunny. Goodbye,” remarked U.S. magistrate judge Judith G. Dein as she approved Petrova’s release, according to reports.
Upon her release, Petrova expressed gratitude to her supporters, stating, “I never really felt alone any minute when I was in custody, and it’s really helped me very much.” This sentiment highlights the importance of community support during challenging times.
The court has scheduled a probable cause hearing for the following Wednesday, which will further address the allegations against her.
Petrova was initially detained on February 16 and later transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in Louisiana. It wasn’t until mid-May that the authorities formally announced the smuggling charge against her. One of her attorneys, Gregory Romanovsky, noted that Petrova was unexpectedly moved from ICE to criminal custody shortly after a judge had set a hearing regarding her release.
On May 28, a judge from the U.S. District Court of Vermont ruled that Petrova’s immigration detention was unwarranted and granted her bail. However, this decision did not lead to her immediate release.
Romanovsky expressed confusion over the lengthy detention, stating, “It’s difficult to understand why someone like Kseniia needed to be jailed for four months. She poses no danger and has deep ties to her community. Her case is a reminder that immigration enforcement should be guided by law and common sense—and not deportation quotas.”
This situation raises important questions about the treatment of individuals in the immigration system and the balance between enforcement and justice.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case of Kseniia Petrova serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration and the legal system in the United States.