The US Is Storing Migrant Children’s DNA in a Criminal Database
WiredMAY 29
US Dept. of Homeland Security Sued Over Migrant DNA Collection
Above: Department of Homeland Security Police officers at San Francisco International Airport on May 23, 2025. Image copyright: David Paul Morris/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This DNA collection program is an essential border security measure to protect American communities from dangerous criminals and human traffickers. CBP must utilize every available resource to identify individuals entering the country, and genetic testing helps verify family relationships and prevent fraudulent claims. The program adheres to federal law requirements and focuses on individuals who are already detained for immigration violations.
Establishment-critical narrative
The government is exploiting immigration powers to build a massive genetic surveillance system that criminalizes entire communities based on immigration status alone. Collecting DNA from children as young as four years old serves no legitimate immigration purpose and violates constitutional protections. This program creates a permanent genetic database targeting people of color who haven't committed crimes.