What if the United States government took the DNA of vast numbers of Americans for use without their consent? On January 6, the federal government began collecting DNA from any person in immigration custody — previously, it had required only fingerprints. But today, nearly all states compel DNA from all convicted felons, while many states collect DNA from individuals convicted of mere misdemeanors. Most states also collect DNA from some individuals merely arrested on charges of, but not yet convicted of, a crime. By severing the longstanding prerequisite of prior (alleged) criminal conduct for compelled DNA collection, the government puts us all at risk.

Source: New York Times January 23, 2020 19:52 UTC