Urgent Action Needed: Stop Indefinite DNA Surveillance of Migrant Children

I’m writing to urge you to take immediate action in response to the mass collection and indefinite retention of DNA from tens of thousands of migrant children and teens—some as young as 13 years old—by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ). According to recent reports, over 133,000 minors have had their genetic profiles added to CODIS, the FBI’s criminal DNA database. This system was designed to track violent offenders, not children in civil immigration proceedings. Including them in a lifelong criminal database, with no clear pathway for removal or consent, is a serious violation of privacy and human dignity. This expansion of biometric surveillance under the guise of immigration enforcement is deeply alarming. It risks criminalizing children simply because of their immigration status and sets a dangerous precedent for how genetic data could be used against vulnerable populations—possibly even citizens—going forward. Senator Ron Wyden has already demanded answers, raising concerns that these children will be treated as crime suspects for the rest of their lives. But more congressional pressure is needed. I ask you to: • Demand full transparency from DHS and DOJ on this DNA program, • Support legislation that prohibits DNA collection from children in civil immigration custody, • Push for clear limits on data retention, usage, and access, • Ensure there is a clear, accessible process for removal of DNA profiles from federal databases. This is about more than data—it’s about the kind of country we want to be. Children fleeing hardship deserve protection, not permanent surveillance. Thank you for standing up for civil liberties and human rights. I look forward to seeing your leadership on this issue.