ICE Expands Rapid DNA Testing Program for Immigration Verification

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has allocated a $10.1 million contract to broaden a rapid DNA testing program. This initiative is used to verify claimed family relationships during immigration enforcement operations. The program was awarded to Virginia-based SNA International LLC and commenced on August 10, running through August 9, 2027, according to federal records.

The contract supports ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) field offices. ERO is a division within ICE responsible for immigration arrests, detention operations, and removals. According to the government’s task order description, rapid DNA tests, equipment, and services are provided to verify biological relatives.

Civil liberties and immigrant advocacy groups have voiced concerns about the employment of genetic testing. They highlight privacy issues and the handling of non-biological family relationships.

Stevie Glaberson from Georgetown Law’s Center on Privacy & Technology expressed worries about how DNA is collected and understood by migrants at immigration checkpoints. “Many individuals report not understanding why their DNA was taken and for what purpose,” Glaberson explained. DNA is unique because it can reveal information about family members across generations.

Newsweek requested comments from ICE and its parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Steve Niezgoda, CEO of SNA International, declined to publicly discuss the program’s specifics. Former ICE deputy field office director Scott Mechkowski noted that rapid DNA testing has been used for years to confirm family connections, emphasizing the importance of verifying guardians of minors.

A previous related contract in 2025 was valued at $6.24 million. Together, these contracts exceed $16 million in federal commitments to the program, detailed on USAspending.gov.

The rapid DNA project originated from SNA’s research under the Small Business Innovation Research program for DHS. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) noted that ICE sought aid implementing a testing initiative to detect fraudulent family relationship claims by migrants. The program required DNA testing equipment, kits, software, and user support.

SNA initially secured a research contract in 2019 to develop a ‘reach-back’ system for rapid DNA testing. A subsequent 2020 contract advanced the technology with DNAConnect software and a user support center. ICE later expanded this into a larger program by granting SNA a Phase III contract. The award was contested by Bode Technology, alleging improper structuring, but the GAO sided with ICE. The agency justifiably used SNA’s previous research as a foundation.

Contract records indicate a two-year ordering period with potential for additional task orders. The description outlines procuring tests, equipment, and services to verify biological relationships through ERO offices. However, public records do not specify policies for consent, sample handling, or other procedural safeguards when test results contradict claimed relationships.