U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently awarded a contract to Bode Cellmark Forensics Inc., with a total value of $5.2 million, for technical equipment and supplies to continue identifying fraudulent familial relationship claims made by individuals entering or attempting to enter the United States using rapid DNA testing.
From May 6-10, ICE identified 18 of the 84 tested family units to be fraudulent. Between mid-April and June 14, ICE identified approximately 275 fraudulent families, uncovered 735 fraudulent documents or claims, and presented 553 individuals for prosecution to the Department of Justice.
ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Executive Associate Director, Derek Benner, said:
“Our goal with rapid DNA testing remains twofold. First, to protect children from being smuggled across the border by ensuring they are with their parents and not being used as pawns by individuals attempting to exploit immigration loopholes … Second, to identify and stop the criminal organizations that are generating false documents and supporting child smuggling.”
Lally Immigration Services, LLC is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates on ICE’s rapid DNA testing as they become available. If you have questions about bringing a family member to the United States, contact Lally Immigration at (617) 870-1000 or by email to [email protected].
