U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel have been collecting DNA samples from migrants seeking asylum at the southern border since 2020. This program, which is not widely known, has gathered information from over 1 million individuals to date. Agents use saliva swabs to collect DNA samples, which are then stored indefinitely in a database managed by the FBI.
Melissa del Bosque, a reporter and editor for The Border Chronicle, discussed the program with Texas Standard. She explained that the DNA data collected from migrants is stored in a nationwide database called CODIS (Combined DNA Index System). This database allows local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to search for DNA profiles from convicted offenders, unsolved crime evidence, and missing persons.
The program was initiated during the Trump administration and has continued under President Joe Biden. Despite its significant impact, lawmakers in Congress have not addressed the issue, and it has largely gone unnoticed. The legality of collecting DNA from migrants seeking asylum raises concerns about privacy and constitutional rights, as individuals who are requesting asylum are not necessarily suspected of committing a crime.
The implications of this DNA collection extend beyond border security, as private corporations are increasingly involved in DNA analysis for various purposes. There are concerns about potential misuse of DNA data and the ability to predict physical characteristics from genetic profiles. This raises questions about the boundaries of law enforcement practices and the protection of individual rights.
The experiences of asylum seekers who have had their DNA collected highlight the lack of transparency and understanding surrounding this program. Many individuals were unaware that their DNA was being taken, mistaking it for a COVID test. This raises ethical concerns about informed consent and the rights of individuals, especially in vulnerable situations such as seeking asylum.
As discussions continue about the use of DNA data in law enforcement and border security, it is crucial to consider the broader implications for privacy, civil rights, and ethical practices. The collection and storage of DNA from migrants at the southern border underscore the need for greater transparency, oversight, and accountability in government programs that impact vulnerable populations.