Released: January 09, 2009

U.S. to collect DNA samples of arrested immigrants

Source: Anna Gorman, Chicago Tribune (Free Registration)

Beginning today, the U.S. government will collect DNA samples from people arrested and detained for suspected immigration violations, despite concerns that the move violates their privacy rights.

The new Justice Department policy also will expand DNA collection to people arrested on suspicion of committing federal crimes. Previously, the government only obtained DNA from people convicted of certain crimes.

The samples will be added to the national database and used to make identifications through comparisons with crime scene evidence, according to the Justice Department.

“The collection of DNA samples is an important crime-fighting and crime-solving tool,” said Evan Peterson, a spokesman for the department.

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