1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

I'm writing regarding Kseniia Petrova, a cancer research scientist being detained by ICE due to a paperwork mistake. Ms Petrova is a cancer researcher who, uniquely among cancer scientists, can facilitate advanced cancer research and detection. She is responsible for developing advanced methods of detecting cancers and literally no one else can do the work she does as well as she can. Since February, Ms. Petrova has been held by ICE due to an oversight on a declaration form during her lawful re-entry into the U.S. I'm writing to urge you to work with ICE leadership to expedite her release custody as her work benefits countless Americans who need cancer detection. The penalty for the oversight Ms Petrova made on her declaration form is a small fine and forfeiture of the item, in her case scientific samples to advance her research. The penalty has never been prolonged imprisonment with deportation to a country where the person faces prosecution. If returned to Russia, Ms Petrova will almost certainly face imprisonment for her opposition to the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine. The world will lose a critical mind helping humanity fight cancer. Please engage with ICE and help expedite Ms Petrova's release.