ICE Taking DNA Samples from Arrested Protestors

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Ben says he was held in custody for about three hours. Before his release, officers photographed and fingerprinted him. Then, before Ben realized fully what was happening, an officer ran a swab, similar to a Q-tip, along the inside of his cheek.

"It was super casual," Ben says. "It was just like, 'okay, yeah so we're going to take this now.

Posted by Corky at 11:45 AM | 6 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

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"What law enforcement would say is, 'these were people that were facing charges,'" Murphy says.

"What are the charges they're facing if it's civil immigration authorities doing what seems to be unlawful interference with First Amendment rights? Even if that's the asserted basis, is that constitutional? I think the answer should be clearly no."

#1 | Posted by Corky at 2026-03-19 11:47 AM | Reply

The federal government does have broad authority to take DNA from people it has arrested or who are facing charges. In fact, in a statement to NPR, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said federal law actually requires federal law enforcement to collect DNA samples from individuals arrested or facing charges.

So what's the problem, then? Don't like the law, then vote for people who will change it.

Or you can go with Ralph Nader/Jill Stein 2028!

#2 | Posted by censored at 2026-03-19 11:58 AM | Reply

Precious bodily fluids.

#3 | Posted by Dbt2 at 2026-03-19 12:00 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

JPW collects DNA samples from truckers at the Flying J, but he's a scientist.

#4 | Posted by fortfisher at 2026-03-19 12:44 PM | Reply

Stupid sack of s*&^ chimes in with gay fantasies even when nobody has addressed him.

#5 | Posted by jpw at 2026-03-19 01:07 PM | Reply

Again, another solid zinger. Is the concept of self deprecating humor completely lost on you? Is your own ego so inflated you are imcapable of laughing at yourself? Ever?

#6 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-03-19 01:10 PM | Reply