A French scientist was denied entry to the United States after immigration officials discovered text messages on his phone criticising Donald Trump, which they reportedly considered to be "terrorism".
The researcher, who has not been named, was travelling to a conference near Houston when officers conducted a random check of his personal phone and work computer.
During the search, officers found messages that "conveyed a hatred toward Trump and could be considered to be terrorism", according to a diplomatic source cited by AFP.
The incident occurred on March 9, with the scientist being sent back to Europe the following day.
The texts were reportedly critical of the President
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The French researcher was reportedly on his way to attend a conference in Houston, Texas, when the incident took place.
US authorities accused the scientist of sending "hateful and conspiratorial messages" related to the Trump administration's treatment of scientists and scientific research.
Sources suggest the FBI opened an investigation into the researcher, but "the charges were abandoned."
Before being expelled, authorities confiscated the scientist's personal and professional equipment.
The FBI reportedly dropped the charges
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It was not immediately clear which conference the researcher was planning to attend, though the 56th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference was held near Houston from 10 to 14 March.
Philippe Baptiste, France's minister of higher education and research, condemned the US decision in a statement on Monday.
"This measure was apparently taken by the American authorities because the researcher's phone contained exchanges with colleagues and friends in which he expressed a personal opinion on the Trump administration's research policy," he said.
"Freedom of opinion, free research, and academic freedom are values that we will continue to proudly uphold," Baptiste added.
Philippe Baptiste condemned the decision
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The French foreign ministry said it "deplored the situation" whilst acknowledging the US was "sovereign" in matters related to the entry of foreigners.
Baptiste has been outspoken in his criticism of the Trump administration and Elon Musk for making significant cuts to scientific research budgets.
On the same day the researcher was denied entry, Baptiste published a letter calling on American scientists to relocate to France.
"Many well-known researchers are already questioning their future in the United States," he wrote. "We would naturally wish to welcome a certain number of them."
The border wall on the US-Mexico borderReutersA spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection declined to discuss the specific case, citing privacy restrictions.
"If an individual has material discovered on their electronic media that raises flags during an inspection, it can result in further analysis. Claims that such decisions are politically motivated are completely unfounded," said spokesperson Hilton Beckham.
Germany recently updated its travel advisory for the US, emphasising that a visa or entry waiver does not guarantee entry after several Germans were detained at the border.
Britain has also revised its advice for citizens travelling to the US, warning that those breaking entry rules could face arrest or detention.
