Two Chinese nationals accused of smuggling biological materials into the United States appeared in court Friday as federal authorities fight to keep them detained in cases they say concern “national security.”

University of Michigan post-doctoral research fellow Yunqing Jian and Huazhong University of Science and Technology student Chengxuan Han were ordered to remain in federal custody as their separate cases remain ongoing. 

During the hearing, Han, who is accused of mailing packages containing biological materials to the University of Michigan’s laboratory, became visibly emotional and was seen choking back tears when she learned her preliminary hearing had been pushed 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.