DNA-napping Chronicles: How U.S. Citizens Ended Up in an FBI Database Without a Clue
Customs and Border Protection agents have been quietly harvesting DNA from American citizens, even minors, and funneling it into an FBI crime database. Critics warn this unauthorized expansion of genetic surveillance could mean lifelong scrutiny for anyone added, with DNA from children as young as 4 already present.
Hot Take:
Who knew that giving a cheek swab at the border might lead to an all-expense-paid trip to the FBI’s DNA database? It seems like Customs and Border Protection has been moonlighting as a genetic collector, creating a DNA library that would make even 23andMe blush. While they’re at it, maybe they can let us know our ancestry results too? But jokes aside, this DNA grab is more like a bad spy movie script, complete with unauthorized collections and a lack of oversight. Cue the ominous music!
Key Points:
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been collecting DNA from US citizens, including minors, and adding it to the FBI’s crime database without congressional approval.
- DNA samples were collected from nearly 2,000 US citizens between 2020 and 2024, with some as young as 14.
- The program has added substantially to the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), with 97% of samples collected under civil, not criminal, authority.
- Critics, including lawmakers and rights advocates, argue that this constitutes an overreach and a violation of civil liberties.
- Lawsuits and inquiries are ongoing to challenge the legality and transparency of the program.