Immigrant rights advocates were immediately critical following initial disclosure of the DNA collection plans two weeks ago. “That could really change the purpose of DNA collection from one of criminal investigation to population surveillance,” American Civil Liberties Union attorney Vera Eidleman said then. DNA profile collection is allowed under a law expanded in 2009 to require that any adult arrested for a federal crime provide a DNA sample. At least 23 states require DNA testing, but some occur after a suspect is convicted of a crime. The FBI will help train border officials on how to get a sample, which shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.

Source: Los Angeles Times October 21, 2019 05:15 UTC