ICE Wants to Expand Rapid DNA Testing to Verify Relatives
Summary
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has awarded a $10.1 million contract to expand rapid DNA testing to verify family relationships in immigration cases. The contract will support ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations from 2024 to 2027.Key Facts
- ICE awarded a $10.1 million, one-year contract to SNA International LLC starting August 10, 2024.
- The contract supports ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations field offices for DNA testing to verify biological relatives.
- ICE has used rapid DNA testing in immigration enforcement to confirm claimed family ties, especially for guardianship of minors.
- Civil rights groups worry about privacy and the treatment of non-biological family relationships in DNA testing.
- SNA International developed rapid DNA testing technology through previous government research contracts starting in 2019.
- The program includes equipment, test kits, software, technical help, and training.
- The Government Accountability Office upheld ICE’s decision to award SNA the contract amid a protest from a competing company.
- Combined with a previous $6.24 million contract, total spending on this program exceeds $16 million.
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