Justice Department proposes collecting DNA samples from detained migrants

The Justice Department Monday took the first step towards dramatically expanding its collection of DNA samples from migrants facing criminal charges.

The department has proposed a rule that would collect DNA samples from migrants in both U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and sent those samples to the FBI lab for analysis.

FBI investigators would then enter the DNA information into its Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS, database. The database is used to identify criminals and assist with investigations through the sharing of DNA with local law enf...