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In a disturbing revelation, a recent report by Georgetown’s Center on Privacy and Technology has uncovered that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been collecting DNA samples from thousands of US citizens over the past few years. Between 2020 and 2024, approximately 2,000 individuals, some as young as 14, had their genetic material taken, often without being charged with any crime. This data was subsequently shared with the FBI and stored in a national database known as the Combined DNA Index System (Codis), which law enforcement uses to identify suspects in criminal investigations.
A notable case involved a 25-year-old US citizen who was stopped at Chicago’s Midway Airport in 2021. Despite facing no criminal accusations, border agents collected a DNA sample through a cheek swab. The sample was sent to the FBI, and although the individual was allowed to enter the country, their genetic information remained in the database. According to the report, in around 865 of the 2,000 cases, no formal charges were ever filed, meaning many individuals never had their situation reviewed by a judge. In some instances, DNA was taken for minor issues, such as failing to declare a purchased item from abroad, or during routine inspections by immigration officers.
This practice has sparked significant concerns over privacy and legal rights. Stevie Glaberson, a researcher at Georgetown, described it as a clear abuse of power, arguing that collecting DNA without a valid legal basis may violate the US Constitution, particularly the Fourth Amendment, which guards against unreasonable searches. She emphasized that DNA can reveal sensitive information not only about the individual but also about their relatives, potentially implicating innocent family members in criminal investigations.
In response, CBP defends its actions, asserting that it operates within its authority to protect borders and detect potential threats. The agency claims that DNA collection is a vital tool in preventing serious crimes, such as human smuggling or trafficking. However, critics argue that there are insufficient safeguards to prevent misuse of this power, raising questions about the balance between security and personal freedom. This issue prompts a broader debate: should authorities be permitted to gather such personal data without clear evidence of wrongdoing, or does this practice infringe on fundamental rights?