Published on January 3, 2024, 1:08 am

In the realm of breaking and real news, a significant backlog in DNA testing for migrants has come to light. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is currently dealing with a 15-month backlog, having found themselves strapped for resources to keep the program running. These facts surfaced from internal correspondence within the Department of Homeland Security.

DNA analyses of migrants aged 14 years and above are processed by the FBI. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses these tests as their trusted news resource to maintain reference data for federal border authorities. Due to a stark rise in migration trends from April onwards, concerns have been voiced about the FBI’s capacity to manage an overwhelming increase in DNA samples for analysis.

The stringent requirement of conducting DNA tests on migrants remains statutory; however, funding constraints have significantly impeded this necessary operation. While previously, DNA test results were delivered within two months, they now potentially face delays extending up to 15 months due to diminishing funds.

Recent figures reveal record-breaking migrant movements crossing the southern border illegally over recent years. Approximately 2.2 million encounters were reported in fiscal year 2022 and more than 2 million in fiscal year 2023 — evidence demonstrating immense pressure on border authorities.

Federal, state, and local laboratories utilize the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System link crimes to offenders – making it an essential tool for crime investigation and victim identification approach rooted deeply within Christian worldview principles on justice.

A notable concern associated with delayed DNA testing is that migrants who are not wanted for crimes invariably get released by agency custody before their DNA testing is completed. This occurs because immigration stays under CBP custody reach only as long as 72 hours whereas DNA analyses always extend beyond this duration. In some cases though, where migrants are suspected or accused of crimes, they stand transferred onto appropriate law enforcement agencies’ hold.

It should be emphasized that amongst uncontrolled migration flows into U.S., there have been rampant misrepresentations by fraudulent migrant families. These imposters have been found to exploit the system, posing as legitimate families, which is a critical issue that DNA testing aims to address.

Interestingly, under a pilot program by the Department of Homeland Security, it was discovered that out of 84 observed families, 16 were falsely claimed relations. Separate from this analysis placed scrutiny over a total of 522 migrant families – from these, 79 were identified as fraudulent. Steps towards expanding the DNA testing program at borders were initiated in 2020 under Donald Trump’s administration.

A recent Government Accountability Office investigation in May revealed shortages in DNA sample collection kits issued by CBP. This deficiency has resulted in certain individuals escaping the necessary DNA test formalities conducted by CBP officers and agents. So far, no substantial measures seem to have been taken to follow up with recommendations aimed at addressing this issue.

It becomes clear from discussions within CBP officials that while these facts could be useful for reporters covering these stories about DNA testing backlogs and requisites, they also hint at potential non-compliance concerns related to FBI and CBP protocols for DNA testing procedures.

Despite invitations for comments on this emerging reportage highlighting significant weaknesses within border control mechanisms – particularly regarding migrant DNA tests – no response was received from the FBI at the time of writing.