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Georgia Proposal Could Take DNA Swabs From Immigrants in Custody for Minor Offenses
Georgia would collect DNA from immigrants charged with misdemeanors if ICE detainers are issued and not acted on within 48 hours, expanding existing policies on genetic data.
- Georgia legislation awaiting a final vote would mandate DNA collection from immigrants charged with any misdemeanor or felony if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement fails to assume custody within 48 hours.
- If enacted, Georgia would become the third state to single out immigrants for genetic material collection not required for others, joining Florida and Oklahoma in establishing such requirements.
- Legal experts question whether civil immigration detainers meet Fourth Amendment probable cause thresholds; only 10 states currently collect DNA for certain misdemeanor arrests.
- Mazie Lynn Guertin, executive director of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, argued that swabbing individuals for traffic offenses does not benefit public safety.
- President Donald Trump's administration seeks to expand biometric usage in immigration enforcement as the National DNA Index System now contains more than 26 million profiles.
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Under no-warrant DNA collection, any Georgian’s genetic data could end up in police custody
Georgia lawmakers are considering bills that would require police to collect DNA from people charged with crimes. Getty Images/Andrew BrookesGeorgia lawmakers are considering legislation that would require police to collect DNA from people charged with — but not convicted of — crimes. This would happen without a warrant or due process of any kind. Supporters say these DNA-collection bills are targeted at criminals, but the sweeping proposals cou…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources31
Leaning Left15Leaning Right5Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution52% Left
Bias Distribution
- 52% of the sources lean Left
52% Left
L 52%
C 31%
R 17%
Factuality
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