Top Democratic Senators Demand Answers on ICE's Use of Full-Body Restraints
A group of 11 Democratic US senators have written to top immigration officials, expressing "serious human rights concerns" over the use of full-body restraints on deportation flights by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The senators are calling for a full accounting of ICE's air operations and an end to the use of the black and yellow restraints known as the WRAP until the agency explains its policies on the device and resolves other questions about its use.
The move comes after an Associated Press investigation revealed that ICE had used the WRAP on people, sometimes for hours, on deportation flights dating back to 2020. The senators are concerned that ICE is not tracking the WRAP's use as required by federal law, making it difficult to determine exactly how many people have been subjected to the restraints.
The use of the WRAP has been likened to punishment and even torture in several federal lawsuits. Advocates have expressed concern over the lack of transparency surrounding the device's use, which they say is a result of ICE not wanting to be held accountable for its actions.
"We think it's very problematic," said US Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland. "They want to keep the public in the dark."
The senators' letter has sparked a call to action from other lawmakers, including US Representative Delia Ramirez, who is working on a bill to rein in 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," Ramirez said.
The use of the WRAP has also been linked to fatal cases, with local police or jailers using the device in a dozen fatal incidents over the last decade. Autopsies have determined that "restraint" played a role in the deaths.
The Associated Press investigation found that DHS has paid the manufacturer of the WRAP, Safe Restraints Inc., $268,523 since it started purchasing the devices in late 2015. The Trump administrations have been responsible for about 91% of that spending.
ICE has refused to provide records documenting its use of the WRAP despite multiple requests, fueling concerns over transparency and accountability.
"The brutal, inhumane tactics of ICE continue to jeopardize people's lives across the country," Ramirez said. "ICE is acting outside of oversight or accountability. That can't go on."
A group of 11 Democratic US senators have written to top immigration officials, expressing "serious human rights concerns" over the use of full-body restraints on deportation flights by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The senators are calling for a full accounting of ICE's air operations and an end to the use of the black and yellow restraints known as the WRAP until the agency explains its policies on the device and resolves other questions about its use.
The move comes after an Associated Press investigation revealed that ICE had used the WRAP on people, sometimes for hours, on deportation flights dating back to 2020. The senators are concerned that ICE is not tracking the WRAP's use as required by federal law, making it difficult to determine exactly how many people have been subjected to the restraints.
The use of the WRAP has been likened to punishment and even torture in several federal lawsuits. Advocates have expressed concern over the lack of transparency surrounding the device's use, which they say is a result of ICE not wanting to be held accountable for its actions.
"We think it's very problematic," said US Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland. "They want to keep the public in the dark."
The senators' letter has sparked a call to action from other lawmakers, including US Representative Delia Ramirez, who is working on a bill to rein in 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," Ramirez said.
The use of the WRAP has also been linked to fatal cases, with local police or jailers using the device in a dozen fatal incidents over the last decade. Autopsies have determined that "restraint" played a role in the deaths.
The Associated Press investigation found that DHS has paid the manufacturer of the WRAP, Safe Restraints Inc., $268,523 since it started purchasing the devices in late 2015. The Trump administrations have been responsible for about 91% of that spending.
ICE has refused to provide records documenting its use of the WRAP despite multiple requests, fueling concerns over transparency and accountability.
"The brutal, inhumane tactics of ICE continue to jeopardize people's lives across the country," Ramirez said. "ICE is acting outside of oversight or accountability. That can't go on."
think they're just scratching the surface here... all these senators suddenly waking up and talking about this after AP investigation comes out... what are they really trying to hide? It's like they want us to think it's just about "human rights concerns" but there's more to it, you know? 
I mean, $268k paid to the manufacturer since 2015... that's a lot of cash for a company that makes a restraint device. What's the real connection between ICE and Safe Restraints Inc.? Are they getting kickbacks or something? 
. But seriously, 11 senators are totally on point for speaking out against ICE's use of full-body restraints. I mean, it's like they're trying to restrain the truth 
. But seriously, how can you call that humane treatment? It's like, hello! We're talking about people here, not just some paperwork to file.
. I guess you could say it's a "binding" contract 
.
. And let's not forget, there have been fatal cases linked to these restraints... it's like, come on, people! We can do better than that 
. Let's make sure our government is working for the people, not just some corporate interests 
These Democratic senators are finally speaking out about the abuse of power by ICE using those full-body restraints 
. Like, have you seen those things? They're literally a device designed to choke and immobilize people. It's disgusting. And now we know that ICE has been keeping track of how many people they've used it on... or not 
. The lack of transparency is just mind-boggling. I mean, who wants to be 'immobilized' for hours on a deportation flight? Not me, that's for sure 
. We need more accountability and less torture 
. 11 dem senators just demanded answers from the top immigration officials and it's about time! 
they're talking about human rights concerns, safety, dignity... all the things we should be prioritizing in our laws & policies.
. US Rep Delia Ramirez is on it tho, working on a bill to rein in ICE's use of the WRAP. let's keep pushing for change 
.
. like, have u ever noticed how long-winded some articles can be? or how hard it is to read when the text is just a big block of info? 
ICE has a lot of explaining to do here 
they need to come clean about their policies and procedures and stop using these restraints ASAP!!! 11 democratic senators are speaking out and other lawmakers are getting on board too, which is awesome 
but what's the point of all this if ice just ignores the calls for transparency? 
i mean, we already know it's been linked to some fatal cases 
but now it looks like they're not even keeping track of how many people are being subjected to this 
and that's just not right 
especially when it comes to human rights 
i'm with @DeliaRamirez on this one 