A Chinese individual accused of illegally transporting biological materials becomes emotional during court proceedings about being held in federal custody.

Two individuals from China who are accused of illegally bringing biological substances into the United States were present in court on Friday, as federal authorities strive to have them kept in custody due to the potential threat to national security.

A post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Michigan named Yunqing Jian and a student from Huazhong University of Science and Technology called Chengxuan Han were both instructed to stay detained by federal authorities until their individual cases are concluded.

During the court session, Han, who allegedly sent packages containing biological materials to the University of Michigan’s laboratory, displayed visible emotions and was observed trying to hold back tears upon discovering that her preliminary hearing was postponed to a later date.

In her brief detention hearing Friday, Han’s attorney said her client is consenting to detention without prejudice and will remain in federal custody. 

A package seized by CBP agents allegedly contained eight Petri dishes containing biological materials mailed by Chengxuan Han. (Department of Justice)

“The alleged smuggling of biological materials by this alien from a science and technology university in Wuhan, China – to be used at a University of Michigan laboratory – is part of an alarming pattern that threatens our security,” Gorgon said in a statement. “The American taxpayer should not be underwriting a PRC-based smuggling operation at one of our crucial public institutions.”   

Fox News’ Olivianna Calmes and Peter D’Abrosca contributed to this report.