ICE Eyes $25M Biotech Contract To Test DNA Of Migrant Families
The Trump administration is looking to issue a contract worth up to $25 million to DNA-test families targeted for deportation by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as stated by Bloomberg.
Campaigners are concerned that these tests could be used to separate children from their caregivers, such as non-biological family members like godparents. Additionally, advocates worry that there’s a broader plan by the administration to collect genetic data at US borders for other purposes, like criminal investigations.
$25 million contract to DNA test families
In mid-May, the agency issued a contract to SNA International LLC, which was launched during 9/11 to find remains in mass fatality events. Bode Cellmark Forensics Inc. filed a protest on May 23 with the Government Accountability Office, objecting to the award, which wasn’t open to other bidders. ICE issued a stop-work order on May 27 in response to the protest, as stated by an emailed statement from the agency.
ICE committed $6.2 million to the SNA contract, but this could increase to as high as $25 million, according to award details. Bode’s challenge of the contract to SNA is available to the public. Its website states that a decision by the GAO will be due by Sept 2.
DNA testing could separate families
Campaigners believe that allowing ICE’s Enforcement and Removals office to DNA-test families could enable the administration to separate children from the adults who care for them.
“By leaning heavily on who is actually blood-related, there is a good chance that we will see caregivers, such as godfathers and godmothers, being taken away from children,” Matthew Guariglia, a senior policy analyst at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said.
Additionally, Guariglia and other advocates worry that the data retrieved from the tests could be used for purposes other than those intended, such as criminal investigations. “What they really want to do is build a massive database of genetic material,” said Guariglia.
A representative for ICE did not respond to questions related to additional information about the DNA tests, including whether they could be used to separate children from caregivers and whether the results could be challenged. A representative for SNA International declined to comment and referred questions to ICE.
Image: Tim Mossholder
