The full-body restraint device, known as the WRAP, has raised serious human rights concerns as it becomes a common tool in the arsenal of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during deportation flights.
Findings from an investigation by the Associated Press reveal numerous incidents where ICE officers have applied this controversial device on detainees during journeys back to their home countries, leading to alarming accounts of intimidation and punishment among those being deported.
Overview of the WRAP
Initially introduced in the late 1990s to reduce in-custody deaths and prevent erratic behavior among inmates, the WRAP is meant to restrain individuals without causing positional asphyxia. It has since been adopted by countless law enforcement agencies across the country. Safe Restraints Inc., the manufacturer, has indicated that the version tailored for ICE allows for limited mobility for the detainee's hands while maintaining the primary purpose of restraint during transport.
Investigative Findings
Reports from five individuals who experienced being restrained in the WRAP on deportation flights described being held for long periods while being transported. Additional accounts from witnesses across several countries corroborate and expand on these experiences, revealing a disturbing pattern of use.
Compounding these issues, the 2023 report by the civil rights division of the DHS highlighted internal concerns regarding the use of the WRAP, particularly following instances that resulted in fatalities attributed to similar devices in local law enforcement settings.
ICE, however, has not been forthcoming with data regarding the frequency of the device’s usage, complicating efforts to ascertain how often it spreads fear among detainees, who often seek to express concerns about their legal representation or experiences of persecution if returned to their home countries.
Government Responses
ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have declined to provide comprehensive information on their policies regarding the use of the WRAP, though spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin emphasizes that the agency's practices align with safety standards. However, advocates argue that these routines showcase a lack of compassion for those in dire situations facing deportation.
The growing scrutiny of the WRAP, paired with legal actions against its use, suggests the need for heightened accountability from ICE and a reassessment of the ethical implications of using restraints in the deportation process.
