The Trump administration gave back pay and promotions to three Customs and Border Protection officials who suffered demotions and other retaliation after blowing the whistle on the agency’s failure to collect DNA samples from illegal immigrants.

Senate Judiciary Chairman Charles E. Grassley, who negotiated the deal, announced Monday that the three agents were elevated to new supervisory roles at CBP and will receive back pay and retirement benefits to cover years of financial losses.

“Today is a victory for Fred Wynn, Mike Taylor, Mark Jones and the rule of law. At long last, these patriotic men will be made whole again,” Mr. Grassley, Iowa Republican, said in a statement.

He credited the Department of Homeland Security and CBP for doing what’s right.

“Once again, the Trump administration has shown its respect for people that blow the whistle on wrongdoing,” the senator said.

CBP also reauthorized law enforcement badges and firearms for Mr. Taylor and Mr. Jones, who were stripped of both by the Biden administration in 2023 after exposing CBP’s failure to comply with the DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005.

SEE ALSO: DeSantis sets pace for GOP governors on immigration

The law mandates the collection of DNA samples from people who are arrested, charged or convicted of crimes, as well as non-U.S. persons detained under federal authority. Federal agencies also must submit the DNA samples to the FBI for analysis and inclusion in the Combined DNA Index System.

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