Expert: DHS uses “disturbing excuses” to collect kids’ biometric data
▼ Summary
– Civil and digital rights experts oppose a proposed DHS rule change allowing collection of sensitive biometric data from all immigrants without age restrictions.
– The rule would permit DHS agencies to collect facial imagery, fingerprints, iris scans, voice prints, and potentially DNA, costing taxpayers $288.7 million annually.
– DHS admitted costs could be higher and lacks full knowledge of the expenses involved in expanding biometric data collection and storage.
– For the first time, the rule would allow biometric data collection from children under 14, which DHS claims would help combat human trafficking and identify unaccompanied minors.
– DHS expects more support for this broader initiative under the Trump administration, citing an executive order to secure the border and verify familial relationships.
A proposed regulatory shift from the Department of Homeland Security is sparking intense debate, as it would authorize the sweeping collection of biometric data from immigrants of all ages, including young children. Civil liberties advocates and digital rights specialists are raising alarms over the plan, which permits agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement to gather facial images, fingerprints, palm prints, iris scans, and voiceprints. DNA samples could also be requested in certain situations, such as confirming family relationships.
The financial impact of this expansion is substantial. DHS estimates the government will spend $288.7 million each year to implement the new requirements, with DNA collection alone accounting for $57.1 million. Immigrants themselves may face charges totaling roughly $231.5 million annually to submit their data. The department acknowledged that actual costs could climb even higher, especially if DNA analysis becomes more widespread than initially projected.
In its own proposal, DHS conceded it lacks a complete understanding of the full expenses tied to expanding biometric collection, covering assets, storage, labor, and equipment. The document also noted that between 2020 and 2024, the U.S. only processed biometric information from about 21 percent of immigrants on average.
A particularly controversial aspect of the rule change involves collecting biometrics from children under the age of 14. DHS argues this measure will help combat human trafficking and protect unaccompanied minors or children crossing the border with unrelated adults. Critics, however, view the move as a significant overreach.
Jennifer Lynch, general counsel for the digital rights organization Electronic Frontier Foundation, pointed out that a similar effort by DHS to expand biometric collection in 2020 was met with such strong opposition that it was eventually withdrawn. She indicated that the current administration appears to expect greater support for this far more extensive initiative. DHS cited a Trump executive order directing the agency to “secure the border” as justification, stating it has a duty to use all available technologies to verify claimed family relationships among individuals encountered by its personnel.
(Source: Ars Technica)
