1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

The systematic collection and storage of DNA from immigrant children in a criminal database raises grave ethical concerns and violates their privacy. Treating minors as suspects indefinitely by retaining their genetic profiles in CODIS is a chilling overreach that was never intended when this system was created for tracking violent crimes. This egregious violation of children's civil liberties demands accountability. The resignations of Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem should be sought. Under their leadership, over 133,000 children's DNA samples were coerced and added to this criminal database with no legal justification or oversight. This exploitation of a vulnerable population to normalize invasive genetic surveillance sets a dangerous precedent. Their removals are warranted given the flagrant disregard shown for children's rights and the erosion of crucial privacy protections. The public must have assurances that such unethical practices enabling mass criminalization will cease immediately. Decisive action rectifying this injustice is imperative to uphold human rights and restore integrity to law enforcement processes.