WASHINGTON (PulseWire) — In a recent letter to U.S. immigration officials, a collective of 11 Democratic senators has highlighted a troubling secretive nature surrounding deportation operations and the use of full-body restraints during flights. This letter follows a concerning AP investigation that brought to light numerous instances of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) utilizing full-body restraints known as the WRAP on detainees during deportation flights since 2020.
Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland emphasized the need for transparency from ICE and called for an immediate review and cessation of the use of these restraints until adequate policies are established. “I think it’s very problematic,” Van Hollen remarked, suggesting that ICE aims to keep the public uninformed about its operations.
The WRAP device has been severely criticized, with multiple federal lawsuits citing its improper use as a form of punishment and, in some cases, akin to torture. Advocates for human rights express deep concerns that ICE is failing to monitor the application of the WRAP, complicating efforts to ascertain how many individuals are subjected to this equipment.
"When the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) lacks transparency, it often indicates an intention to obscure harmful practices," added Van Hollen.
As lawmakers push for accountability, U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez from Illinois is also spearheading legislation aimed at regulating ICE’s use of the WRAP. “ICE’s use of full-body restraints to immobilize detained individuals raises serious concerns about the safety, dignity, and human rights of those under their jurisdiction,” she commented.
Despite numerous inquiries, the DHS has not provided adequate responses regarding the issue, with spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin claiming that ICE’s practices align with legal standards in effect.
Concerns regarding the use of the WRAP are underscored by historical events, with the AP discovering several fatal incidents over the past decade, where the device's use was a contributing factor to death.
As tensions mount over these issues, Ramirez concluded, “The brutal, inhumane tactics of ICE continue to jeopardize people’s lives across the country... ICE is acting without accountability.”
