A new measure has been filed that would empower the Texas Department of Public Safety to perform rapid DNA testing of illegal aliens.
State Rep. Terri Leo Wilson (R–Galveston) filed House Bill 256 on Tuesday, which would empower the Department of Public Safety to perform rapid DNA tests on people who illegally enter Texas through its border with Mexico.
The act would require DPS to work with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and targets groups of foreign nationals suspected of lying about familial status.
If passed, the program’s implementation would occur on September 1, 2025.
Last year, after visiting the border, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz strongly expressed the need for DNA testing to prevent child trafficking.
“During the Trump administration, they had a policy that they were DNA testing, in particular, adult men who would present with young children and claimed to be their fathers, because this was a persistent problem,” Cruz said at the time. “And they’d DNA test them and north of 30 percent of them had no match. They were not their fathers.”
According to the senator, the cartels essentially “rent” kids to transport adults across the border and into the United States.
Without providing concrete reasons for doing so, the Biden administration quietly ended the rapid DNA testing program according to the Center for Immigration Studies.
CIS reported that Border Patrol agents would line up illegal alien families after they were apprehended and take cheek swabs. Subsequently, they would release families about an hour later if DNA matches between individuals were found.
Under Wilson’s proposed measure, Texas DPS would conduct its own rapid DNA testing.
“I filed HB 256 to require DNA testing for individuals crossing our southern border. This measure is essential to protecting vulnerable children from the horrors of human trafficking,” Leo Wilson told Texas Scorecard. “Far too often, children are brought across the border by adults claiming to be family members, and without proper safeguards, we risk placing these young lives in danger. With DNA testing, we can verify family relationships and help ensure children are not being exploited. HB 256 is a critical step in our duty to protect innocent lives and strengthen the integrity of our border.”
