The issue of child detainment in the U.S. has taken a troubling turn. Recent documents reveal that U.S. immigration authorities are not only detaining minors but also collecting their DNA for a criminal database. Over the last five years, more than 130,000 children, some as young as four, have had their DNA collected.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has significantly increased its contributions to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a program managed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This database holds DNA profiles linked to convicted offenders, unsolved crimes, and missing persons, primarily for law enforcement purposes. Currently, CODIS includes over 23 million DNA profiles, with approximately 133,539 belonging to detained minors, as reported by Wired.
How Has DNA Collection Increased Since 2020?
According to Wired, the CBP collected DNA from between 829,000 and 2.8 million individuals from October 2020 through the end of 2024. This surge follows updated regulations from the Department of Justice, which eliminated previous exemptions for the Department of Homeland Security regarding DNA collection. The California Law Review highlighted that this could lead to the extensive retention of genetic material based solely on immigration status rather than criminal activity.
What Are the Policies Surrounding DNA Collection?
In line with the DOJ’s mandates, CBP launched a pilot program to enhance DNA sampling from detained immigrants. Initially targeting individuals aged 14 to 19, the program has seen samples taken from even younger children. Reports indicate that DNA samples were collected from at least 227 children under 13, including a distressing case where a DNA sample was taken from a 4-year-old in El Paso, Texas.
What Are the Implications of This Policy?
“To secure our borders, we are committed to identifying who enters our country,” said Hilton Beckham, CBP’s Assistant Commissioner for Public Affairs, in an interview with Wired. He emphasized that CBP collects DNA from individuals arrested on federal charges or detained civilians not exempt from collection requirements. However, this rationale has been challenged by experts like Stephanie Glaberson from Georgetown University’s Center on Privacy and Technology, who expressed concerns about the collection practices.
How Many DNA Profiles Have Been Collected?
Since 2020, it has been reported that CBP submitted 1.5 million DNA profiles to CODIS, classified under the “offender” category. The increase of 5,000 percent in DNA collection is particularly alarming when viewed on a more granular timeline. For instance, in January 2024 alone, officers in Laredo, Texas submitted as many as 3,930 DNA samples, with 252 belonging to individuals aged 17 or younger.
What Challenges Do Immigration Authorities Face?
The FBI has requested significant funding to keep the expanding CODIS operational. The influx of DNA profiles from immigration authorities indicates potential for further growth. According to Georgetown’s report, while limitations exist for law enforcement in obtaining DNA samples, the only requirement for immigrants is detention—an often vague and variable condition.
The report highlights the troubling aspects of this process: “The term ‘detained’ in immigration can vary significantly, and unlike the criminal justice system, agents do not require a judicial approval to detain.” This oversight allows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to gather data rapidly, often with little accountability.
As Glaberson pointedly remarked, “Regardless of age, this program is morally bankrupt and unconstitutional. Collecting DNA from migrants serves no genuine immigration function, instead placing individuals and their communities under perpetual surveillance.”
Why is DNA collection from detained children a concern? The decision to collect such sensitive information from minors raises serious ethical issues, leading many to question the legitimacy of these actions.
What should be noted about the use of DNA in law enforcement? While DNA can be a valuable tool for solving crimes, its collection and storage practices, especially among vulnerable populations, must be carefully scrutinized to safeguard privacy rights.
What are the long-term effects of this policy on communities? The potential for genetic surveillance has far-reaching implications for immigrants and their families, perpetuating a cycle of mistrust and fear.
This policy touches upon critical issues of ethics and legality. As society grapples with these complexities, it’s essential to engage with the implications of such actions on our communities. If you want to stay updated on the intersection of immigration policies and privacy rights, consider exploring more at Moyens I/O.