Urgent Investigation Needed: DHS DNA Collection Violates Citizens' Rights

I am writing to express my deep concern and outrage over the Department of Homeland Security's unauthorized collection of DNA samples from US citizens, including minors. This practice, which has been ongoing since 2020, represents a grave violation of our constitutional rights and demands immediate congressional investigation and action. The scale of this genetic surveillance program is alarming. Nearly 2,000 US citizens have had their DNA profiles added to the FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) between 2020 and 2024, without proper legal authorization or oversight. Even more concerning, DHS has contributed approximately 2.6 million profiles to CODIS since 2020, facilitated by policy changes and the deployment of Rapid DNA machines. This expansive collection of genetic material operates outside legal bounds, with Customs and Border Protection officers exercising broad discretion in collecting DNA samples. The lack of transparency and safeguards in this program has been criticized by oversight bodies and lawmakers alike, raising serious concerns about privacy, civil liberties, and the potential for lifelong scrutiny by law enforcement. The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated. Every day this program continues, more Americans are at risk of having their genetic information collected and stored without their informed consent. This practice not only violates our right to privacy but also sets a dangerous precedent for government overreach. I implore you to take immediate action. Specifically, I request that you: 1. Initiate a congressional investigation into DHS's DNA collection practices. 2. Introduce legislation to halt this unauthorized genetic surveillance program. 3. Establish clear guidelines and robust oversight mechanisms for any future DNA collection by government agencies. The integrity of our civil liberties is at stake. We need decisive action to protect the rights of all Americans from this unprecedented invasion of privacy. Please act swiftly to address this critical issue and uphold the constitutional protections we all deserve.