DNA Databases, Migrant Children, and the Creeping Surveillance State: What Comes Next?
The U.S. government’s practice of collecting DNA from migrant children, including those as young as four years old, and storing it in a national criminal database, represents more than just a policy decision; it’s a stark foreshadowing of a future where biometric data fuels unprecedented levels of surveillance. This isn’t just a dystopian vision – it’s happening now, and the implications for privacy, civil liberties, and the very definition of who is considered a “criminal” are profoundly disturbing.
The Expanding Reach of CODIS: Beyond Criminals
The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a database managed by the FBI, was originally designed to assist law enforcement in identifying and tracking convicted criminals. Now, as detailed in a recent Wired article, it’s being used to catalogue the genetic information of individuals who haven’t been convicted of any crime. This expansion has swept in thousands of migrant children, turning a system meant for serious offenses into a sweeping net capturing the genetic data of those seeking a better life. This shift challenges fundamental principles of due process and the presumption of innocence.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
According to the data, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) collected DNA from between 829,000 and 2.8 million people between October 2020 and the end of 2024. Experts estimate the true figure to be well over 1.5 million people, including as many as 133,539 children and teenagers. This represents a significant escalation in biometric data collection, especially considering this data is being collected from a vulnerable population.
Dehumanization by Database: The Erosion of Rights
The inclusion of migrant children in CODIS does more than simply collect data; it participates in a process of dehumanization. By storing their genetic information alongside that of convicted criminals, the government implies that these children are inherently suspect, or could be future threats, simply due to their immigration status. This logic erodes the rights of individuals who are simply seeking to immigrate or reside in the United States, further marginalizing already vulnerable populations.
Legal and Ethical Quandaries
The legal and ethical ramifications of this practice are immense. Is a civil infraction, such as not having proper documentation, a sufficient reason to permanently store someone’s DNA in a criminal database? There are serious questions about the Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, which is being brought up as this practice continues. Consider a future where this data is misused or accessed by unauthorized parties. The potential for abuse is staggering.
Looking Ahead: Trends and Predictions
The trend is clear: biometric surveillance is increasing, and its scope is expanding far beyond traditional criminal justice applications. We can expect to see this trend continue as technological advancements make data collection easier and cheaper.
Potential Future Developments
Several developments are foreseeable. First, the expansion of CODIS to include more civil infractions is likely, potentially including other forms of documentation violations. Second, integration of this data with other databases, such as facial recognition systems or financial records, could create a comprehensive system of surveillance. Third, the development of predictive policing algorithms that use biometric data to profile individuals and communities is a distinct possibility.
What Can Be Done?
Citizens and advocacy groups have a critical role to play. Supporting legislation that protects privacy, demanding transparency from government agencies, and holding law enforcement accountable are crucial. Educating the public about the risks of biometric surveillance is also key to fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry.
To explore the implications of biometric surveillance, you can also check out the work from the ACLU on this topic: ACLU – American Civil Liberties Union
The unchecked expansion of government surveillance through DNA databases is a threat to our collective freedoms. What are your predictions for the future of biometric data collection and its impact on our society? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
