Greg Stanton Demands Answers on DNA Collection in ICE Detention Facilities

Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ) spearheaded a recent letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons demanding answers on why detainees are having their DNA collected.

The Context

In late May, Rep. Stanton joined Representatives Joaquin Castro (D-TX) and Nanette Barragan (D-CA) to observe the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in the Texas city of the same name.

"During our visit, we learned that ICE collects DNA samples from individuals detained at the facility, including parents and children," Rep. Stanton wrote. "Given the sensitive nature of biometric information, we seek greater transparency regarding these practices and assurance that these samples are being utilized responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws and policies."

As a result, the Arizona congressman demanded detailed descriptions of how DNA is collected, which databases the information is shared with, how long the samples are retained and expunged, and whether detainees are informed of their rights.

The Answer

In May 2023, then-Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) demanded that former Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas keep the practice of familial DNA testing at detention facilities.

The reason is that statistics from the Homeland Security Inspector General showed that 8.5 percent of all familial DNA tests taken at the border proved negative from June 2019 to September 2021.

In raw numbers, out of 3,516 rapid DNA tests to verify family relationships between migrants and accompanying children, 300 were fraudulent. Coupled with additional statistics showing 6,200 cases of familial relationships proven fraudulent in the fiscal year of 2019 alone, Sen. Rubio sharply criticized the potential decision to halt testing.

"After years of consistent inadequacy in addressing the crisis at the U.S. southern border and unwillingness to protect migrant children from exploitation, the decision to end "all familial DNA testing" will inevitably result in further exploitation of these desperate children," the former Florida Senator wrote. "Specifically, it will enable human smuggling and trafficking and will deepen the pockets of criminal enterprises seeking to traumatize and take advantage of vulnerable families and children," he concluded.