
The Biden Administration finds itself in the crosshairs as a failure to comply with the DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005 has raised alarms, especially concerning the safety implications on American soil.
At a Glance
- Senators Grassley and Johnson conducted a roundtable on DHS’s DNA collection failure.
- DHS allegedly prioritizes DHS’s failure to collect DNA could compromise public safety.
- Whistleblowers report facing retaliation from the administration.
- The Trump administration’s 2020 directive on DNA collection remains unenforced.
- Less than 40% of DNA collected from migrants by DHS during this administration.
Scrutiny on DHS’s DNA Collection at the Border
The DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005 mandates that DNA must be collected from individuals at the U.S.-Mexico border. Yet, whistleblowers within the Department of Homeland Security claim that compliance is lacking, potentially allowing criminals to evade detection. Senators Chuck Grassley and Ron Johnson hosted a roundtable shedding light on these issues and emphasizing the risks to public safety.
Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, accused of serious crimes, eluded detection multiple times due to incomplete DNA collection. His case exemplifies the systemic issues within DHS’s adherence to the law. Public safety remains compromised while Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas faces accusations of overseeing retaliation against whistleblowers.
More good investigative journalism by Catherine Herridge.
Unfortunately, federal agencies violate whistleblower protection laws with impunity.
They need to held accountable. https://t.co/AHpQieV2Nq
— Senator Ron Johnson (@SenRonJohnson) August 12, 2024
Whistleblower Retaliation and Enforcement Failures
Within DHS, whistleblowers are reporting severe retaliation, including changes in duties and removal from roles. Despite a directive from the Trump administration to boost DNA collection, the Biden-Harris administration still falls short. The Office of Special Counsel confirmed CBP’s failure to fulfill legal responsibilities, with whistleblowers indicating less than 40% of DNA has been collected from more than 10 million illegal immigrants.
The division concerned with weapon mass destruction was shut down post raising issues in 2018 heightening the concern of whistleblower protection within DHS. The repercussions of DHS’s inaction include potential dangers for U.S. citizens and calls from legislators urging DNA collection from encounters with migrants.
Biden’s ex-Secret Service director wanted to toss cocaine found at White House after DNA partial hit: report https://t.co/BxSJ1RhhPv pic.twitter.com/gItp733DfZ
— New York Post (@nypost) August 5, 2024
Impact and Ongoing Debate
CBP officials visiting Arizona and California facilities have found no ongoing DNA collection activities, illuminating the lack of enforcement on the Trump directive for DNA collection. A poignant case brings further attention—Rachel Morin’s tragic death, attributed to an illegal immigrant not tested for DNA despite numerous detentions. It challenges the sense of security Americans hold in their government’s ability to enforce laws for public safety.
“It is beyond heartbreaking to know that my daughter’s brutal death could have been prevented. This isn’t just a bureaucratic oversight; it’s a deadly failure that turned a protective measure into a hollow promise,” said Patty Morin.
Senators Grassley and Johnson urge the administration to act decisively. Without enforcement, the risk of illegal immigrants evading detection persists, an unsettling fact for families like Rachel Morin’s. The stakes of noncompliance are high, and the administration’s responsibility in safeguarding the public remains under scrutiny.
Sources:
Grassley Shines Light on DHS’ Failure to Collect DNA from Illegal Immigrants
CBP demoted whistleblowers who revealed ‘decade-long failure’ to collect criminal DNA: docs
U.S. Government Plans to Collect DNA From Detained Immigrants