French researcher denied entry for a personal opinion on Trump administration

Unclear Facts and Calls for Evidence

• Several commenters note the story is based largely on one side; the exact messages remain undisclosed.
• Some speculate messages could have been interpreted as threats, which would make denial of entry more understandable, but stress this is unknown.
• Others argue that without seeing the texts (even redacted), it’s hard to judge whether this was about legitimate security concerns or simple political dissent.

Border Power, Privacy, and Device Searches

• Broad agreement that border agents in many countries (US, UK, Australia, others) already have sweeping authority to inspect devices and deny entry without detailed justification.
• Many see the core problem as privacy: being forced to expose private chats without being accused of a specific crime.
• Some point out that foreigners have essentially no rights at the US border, and even citizens can be detained or have devices seized, though refusal to unlock devices is riskier for non‑citizens.

Free Speech, Authoritarian Drift, and Constitutional Concerns

• Several commenters frame this as “disrespecting the king” being punished, arguing the US is drifting toward monarchy‑style politics and personality cult.
• Others highlight structural issues: Congress and courts have allowed excessive executive discretion on immigration; this administration is exploiting it.
• There is debate over the Supreme Court’s recent presidential immunity ruling:
  • One side sees it as enabling abuse and showing no appetite to restrain executive power.
  • Another stresses it doesn’t formally expand powers, only reduces personal legal risk, but concedes that invites testing the limits.
• Worries about a looming constitutional crisis if court orders are openly defied; some think this is nearly inevitable, others think Trump may back down to preserve his position.

Scientific Community and Travel Decisions

• Some researchers say they already avoid US conferences, preferring Europe/Canada; this incident reinforces that trend.
• People discuss “burner” laptops/phones as now-standard practice for US (and China/Russia) travel; others fear burners or lack of social media may themselves look suspicious.
• A few non‑US commenters say they may now avoid the US entirely, even as tourists.

Slippery Slope and Discrimination Fears

• Many see this as part of a broader pattern: using border discretion to exclude “undesirables” based on ideology, with potential expansion via automated screening of phone data.
• Examples raised include deportations to foreign prisons, aggressive ICE actions, and reports of harsh treatment of European visitors; some argue the “slope” has already turned into a “cliff.”
• A minority argues that denying entry for incitement to violence is acceptable in principle, while still opposing blanket trawling of private communications.