Lawsuit challenges DHS DNA database collection practices

A lawsuit filed by protesters alleges the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FBI are unconstitutionally collecting DNA samples from individuals arrested during peaceful protests. The plaintiffs argue that federal agents are exceeding their authority by using the DNA Act to expand the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database beyond its original intent for serious crimes. They contend that DNA collection in their cases does not meet Supreme Court precedent or stricter Illinois state laws, which require probable cause for serious offenses. The lawsuit seeks to halt the practice, destroy collected DNA samples, and declare the DNA Act unconstitutional as applied.