Raiding the Genome: How the United States Government Is Abusing Its Immigration Powers to Amass DNA for Future Policing

In every cell in your body, there resides a complete copy of your genetic code. As you move about the world, you shed cells without even realizing it, leaving your DNA, like a genetic calling card, wherever you go. You probably don’t think about the trail you’re leaving. It wouldn’t really matter if you did, because you can’t stop shedding cells, and you can’t leave your DNA at home.

But what if the government had access to a copy of your DNA and could track you based on this involuntary, unstoppable trail without your consent? How would it change your behavior to know that the government had a drop of your blood — or saliva — containing your “entire genetic code, which will be kept indefinitely in a government-controlled refrigerator in a warehouse in Northern Virginia”?1 Would you feel free to seek out the medical or reproductive care you needed? To attend protests and voice dissent? To gather together with the people of your choosing?

Read the online version of "Raiding the Genome" or download the PDF below