Dean Johnson Comments on Detainee DNA Collection for Los Angeles Times
Dean Kevin R. Johnson commented for the Los Angeles Times on the implementation of new rules promulgated by the Justice Department that allow the forced collection of DNA samples from immigration detainees and others arrested for federal crimes. Currently, DNA samples may be collected only following conviction. The new rules will be implemented January 9, 2009.
"It's unfair on so many levels it's hard to describe," Dean Johnson told the Times. "You can make the argument that we should take DNA of the entire population because if we did it could help us solve crimes. But we've made this decision that as a society... the freedoms that we stand for are more important."
Kevin R. Johnson is dean and Mabie-Apallas Professor of Public Interest Law and Chicana/o studies at UC Davis School of Law. He is an internationally recognized scholar in the fields of immigration law and policy, refugee law, and civil rights.