DETROIT (WWJ) - Detroit is one of two U.S. entry points taking part in a federal pilot program to collect DNA samples from immigrants at the border.
But there are some questions as to how the program, which began on Monday, will work.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection says some of those detained by immigration agents will be asked to submit to a DNA cheek swab, or face criminal charges. This may include asylum seekers and unauthorized entries (ie: illegal immigrants), as well as Green Card holders.
The DNA samples will then used to create a massive criminal database to be handled by the FBI.
It's important to note that this will only affect those trying to cross into the U.S. at a point outside the legal crossings.
While the Trump Administration says the aim is to cut down on crime, Steven Kang with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) isn't so sure.
"For example, many people are deported very quickly out of CBP custody, and the DNA results might not even come back before the person is deported," Kang said. "And so if that's the case — if they're not gonna use the DNA results in any meaningful way — like why even bother doing it?"
"So the only possible answer seems to be we just want to collect DNA and do mass surveillance on immigrants that come into our country."
Kang said the DNA could link people who are detained to family members in the U.S.
"Obviously, immigrants who come to the border often have family members and a lot of ties here, and so that's one problem," Kang said. "It's not just about people who are in immigration detention."
When the program was announced last year, a senior Department of Homeland Security official told CBS News that the administration has the authority to carry this out, citing the DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005. The new rule will have "broad applicability" on a "broad population" of migrants in U.S. custody, the official said.
Detainees as young as 14 years old will have to submit to the swabs. The second location for the pilot program in Eagle, Texas.
CBP did not immediately return a call from WWJ Newsradio 950 seeking more information.
