The US government has added the DNA of approximately 133,000 migrant children and teens to a criminal database, which critics say could mean police treat them like suspects “indefinitely.”

The claim consists of two main components: first, that the US government has added the DNA of about 133,000 migrant children and teens to a criminal database; second, that critics warn this could lead to these children being treated like suspects indefinitely. Multiple credible sources confirm that US immigration authorities, including Customs and Border Protection (CBP), have collected DNA samples from over 133,000 migrant children and teenagers, including very young children, and uploaded this data into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a national law enforcement database used by local, state, and federal agencies.theguardian.comtheguardian.comUS immigration authorities collecting DNA information of children in criminal...techdirt.comtechdirt.comMigrant Children Are Being Added To A Criminal DNA Database Just Becausebiometricupdate.combiometricupdate.comDNA surveillance of migrant children in US sparks legal and ethical alarms

This practice has been described as a massive expansion of genetic surveillance targeting noncitizens. Regarding the indefinite retention aspect, experts and critics highlight that raw DNA samples can be stored indefinitely in CODIS without clear policies on retention or destruction. This indefinite storage raises concerns about potential misuse and the possibility that these individuals could be treated as suspects in future investigations simply because their DNA is in the system.wired.comwired.comDHS Faces New Pressure Over DNA Taken From Immigrant Childrenwired.comwired.comThe US Is Storing Migrant Children’s DNA in a Criminal Databaselaw.georgetown.edulaw.georgetown.eduRaiding the Genome: How the United States Government Is Abusing Its Immigration...

However, official government responses on retention policies have been limited or noncommittal. The claim that critics say police could treat these children like suspects indefinitely is supported by expert commentary but is an interpretation of potential consequences rather than a confirmed policy. There is nuance in that the presence of DNA in CODIS does not automatically mean active suspicion or investigation but does create a risk of indefinite association with criminal investigations.

Overall, the factual basis of the DNA collection and storage is well documented and accurate. The concerns about indefinite treatment as suspects reflect credible expert warnings but are not formalized government policy. Thus, the claim is mostly true with some interpretive elements.