ICE Expands Rapid DNA Testing for Immigration Enforcement

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has allocated $10.1 million to broaden its rapid DNA testing program. This initiative aims to verify familial ties during immigration operations, as detailed in federal records. A one-year contract, beginning on August 10, awarded to SNA International LLC, a company based in Virginia, will extend until August 9, 2027. The program will assist ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) field offices, which manage immigration arrests, detention, and deportations.

The project description indicates that the task includes supplying rapid DNA tests, equipment, and services to ERO field offices to authenticate biological relationships. Nevertheless, some civil liberties and immigrant advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions about employing genetic testing in immigration enforcement. Concerns center on privacy and the treatment of non-biological family connections.

Stevie Glaberson, director of research and advocacy at Georgetown Law’s Center on Privacy & Technology, highlighted issues regarding DNA collection. Many individuals interacting with immigration authorities reportedly lack understanding of the reasons behind and the implications of DNA collection. According to Glaberson, DNA distinguishes itself from other biometric identifiers by potentially revealing information about extended family across generations.

ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) were sought for comments, but responses remain pending. Steve Niezgoda, SNA International’s CEO, stated that the company refrains from publicly discussing government operations. Scott Mechkowski, former ICE deputy field office director for ERO in New York, noted that rapid DNA testing has long been employed in immigration enforcement to verify family relationships, emphasizing security and the protection of minors.

The recent contract follows a previous $6.24 million award for similar purposes in 2025. The combined task orders exceed $16 million in federal commitments supporting the program, according to USAspending.gov. This initiative arises from research SNA conducted for DHS under the Small Business Innovation Research program.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) explained that ICE sought assistance to implement a rapid DNA testing system aimed at identifying false family relationship claims by individuals entering the U.S. This project included DNA testing equipment, test kits, software, technical support, and training. Initially, SNA received a research contract from DHS in 2019 to develop a DNA system facilitating swift field testing. Subsequent contracts in 2020 enhanced this technology, introducing DNAConnect software and support mechanisms for rapid DNA systems.

ICE later expanded the project into a larger operational program, awarding SNA a sole-source Phase III contract. Competing forensic company Bode Technology challenged this award’s structure, but the GAO supported ICE’s decision. The GAO concluded that the rapid DNA program logically extended SNA’s prior research.

Contract details indicate a two-year ordering period and permit ICE to place further task orders. The objective remains purchasing rapid DNA tests, equipment, and associated services for ERO offices to verify biological relationships. However, award records and GAO decisions do not specify policies regarding consent, sample collection, storage, retention, destruction, or secondary uses of genetic data obtained through the ERO program. Procedural options in case of non-confirmation of claimed biological relationships also remain unspecified.