A Nigerian man recounted a chilling experience during his deportation in September, where he and others were shackled and placed in a full-body restraint suit known as the 'WRAP' by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. Despite being shackled, they were put in additional restraints before being flown to Ghana, marking a distressing journey that he likened to ‘kidnapping’. These kinds of incidents have led to growing backlash against ICE's practices, especially concerning the use of the WRAP restraint device.
Multiple accounts have surfaced where deportees describe being subjected to the WRAP during flights, often after already being restrained, raising concerns that its use may extend beyond safety protocols to forms of punishment and intimidation. Pronounced as a ‘lifesaver’ for law enforcement by its manufacturer, testimonies suggest inappropriate applications under what many consider inhumane conditions.
A federal investigation has documented that ICE has not only consistently ignored warnings from its internal offices regarding the risks associated with the WRAP but also appears to lack robust tracking or documentation of its use, defying federal mandate. The civil rights concerns around the device have intensified, as many activists argue that ICE officers are inadequately trained to administer such restraints properly.
Among the harrowing tales, individuals described conditions where they were held in the WRAP for extended periods, suffering physical injuries and traumatic distress. Despite protests and non-resistance, detainees found themselves immobilized, often amidst fears of return to violent or perilous conditions in their home countries.
The situation raises significant questions about the ethical implications of using such restraints in immigration enforcement and the psychological impact on those detained. With a growing number of lawsuits emerging and public outcry swelling against federal practices, advocates continue to call for comprehensive reforms in ICE’s deportation methodologies.
