World Immigration News

US immigration authorities collecting DNA information of children in criminal database

Release Date: 2025-05-31
Media: The Guardian
Summary: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has dramatically expanded its collection of DNA from migrants, including children, adding over 1.5 million profiles to the FBI’s national criminal database (CODIS) since 2020—a 5,000% increase in three years. Though this database is intended for individuals arrested or convicted of crimes, many of those whose DNA has been collected have not been charged with any offense. Among the collected samples are those of minors, including over 30,000 teens and more than 200 children under the age of 13.

Originally launched as a pilot program, the CBP's DNA collection has become routine and widespread, exploiting the less strict regulations governing immigration enforcement compared to criminal investigations. Experts and privacy advocates warn that this practice represents a massive expansion of genetic surveillance, disproportionately targeting immigrant and minority communities and posing serious privacy and civil liberties concerns. While CBP claims it does not store the data itself, the DNA is sent to the FBI and stored indefinitely, raising fears about government overreach and the potential chilling effect on personal freedom and expression.
Tags: United States of America

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