Feds to Collect DNA from Every Person Arrested

The federal government has released its plans to collect DNA samples from anyone arrested by a federal law enforcement agency, but the plan is raising the ire of privacy activists.

The Associated Press’ Eileen Sullivan says the government will also use the authority it was granted by Congress to collect DNA samples from foreigners who are detained regardless of whether or not they have been charged with a crime. The plans are to collect the DNA with a cheek swab.

Sullivan says current practice limits the government to collecting DNA from convicted felons. “Expanding the DNA database, known as CODIS, raises civil liberties questions about the potential for misuse of such personal information, such as family ties and genetic conditions,” Sullivan says.

Justice Department spokesperson Erik Ablin told Sullivan the DNA collection would be subject to the same privacy laws applied to current DNA sampling. That means none of it would be used for identifying genetic traits, diseases or disorders.

Officials with the Homeland Security Department say the DHS supports the new rule. “DNA is a proven law-enforcement tool,” DHS spokesperson Russ Knocke told Sullivan.

The rule would not allow for DNA samples to be collected from immigrants who are legally in the United States or those being processed for admission, unless the person was arrested.

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