Republican strategist Whitley Yates pushed back against Democratic strategist Theryn Bond’s concerns about privacy violations over proposed DNA testing for illegal immigrants. Bond had argued on NewsNation that DNA testing of migrants was an invasion of privacy, calling it part of a broader effort to mass deport individuals without regard for costs.
Yates, responding to Bond’s criticism, emphasized the broader issue at hand: illegal immigration itself. “DNA testing in this particular context is not an invasion of privacy,” Yates argued. “It’s really an invasion of this country that we need to be worried about.” Yates continued, asserting that the financial burden of illegal immigration—including housing and providing services to undocumented immigrants—should be addressed through decisive action by Congress to protect national sovereignty.
The debate stems from President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming border czar, Tom Homan’s comments about using DNA testing to verify family units among migrants. Homan’s plan is seen as a way to ensure the integrity of immigration processes, but Bond criticized the idea, framing it as an overreach that would prioritize mass deportations at any cost, irrespective of the taxpayer burden.
Yates further pointed out that cities adopting sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, undermine national security. Homan also commented on the issue, warning that jurisdictions impeding ICE agents could face legal consequences, including prosecution under federal statutes designed to prevent harboring illegal immigrants.
This exchange reflects the ongoing national debate over immigration policies, with growing divisions between those calling for stricter enforcement and those advocating for more lenient, inclusive approaches.
