ICE Collected Nearly 1M People's DNA Last Year–Including Young Children

What it means

ICE has collected DNA samples from almost one million individuals over the past year, including young children, as part of its enforcement activities. This DNA is added to the FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a national forensic database typically used for criminal investigations. The move raises significant privacy and civil liberties concerns, particularly regarding the inclusion of minors who are not accused of crimes.

Accuracy & sources

The claim originates from a Wired article, which itself cites official data or reports from ICE and the FBI. As a primary-source report based on government disclosures, it is likely accurate regarding the number and demographics of DNA collections. However, the exact breakdown by age and legal status (detained vs. non-detained) cannot be independently verified from the given text.

How new

The data and reporting are current as of August 2026, with the article published on August 3, 2026.

Go deeper

• Wired article on ICE DNA collection