Democratic Senators Demand Answers on ICE's Use of Full-Body Restraints
Eleven Democratic U.S. senators are raising serious human rights concerns about ICE's use of WRAP full-body restraints on deportation flights, demanding transparency and policy clarification from immigration officials.
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Overview
- A group of 11 Democratic U.S. senators has expressed serious human rights concerns regarding ICE's deployment of full-body restraints, specifically the WRAP device, during deportation flights.
- Multiple federal lawsuits allege the WRAP device is being used incorrectly, akin to punishment or torture, prompting the senators to demand immediate answers from top immigration officials.
- Advocates and senators are concerned that ICE is failing to properly track the use of these full-body restraints, which is a requirement under existing federal law.
- Led by Sen. Chris Van Hollen, the Democratic senators are demanding transparency from ICE regarding its air operations and a suspension of WRAP restraints until usage policies are clarified.
- The Department of Homeland Security has not responded to inquiries, and ICE has refused to provide records on its WRAP device usage despite repeated requests from the concerned senators.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by immediately highlighting "serious human rights concerns" raised by Democratic senators regarding ICE's use of full-body restraints. They emphasize a lack of transparency from ICE and connect the device to federal lawsuits and past fatalities, while presenting only a brief, general defense from DHS. This collective editorial approach cultivates a critical narrative against ICE's practices.
Articles (3)
FAQ
The WRAP device is a full-body restraint used by ICE officers to secure detainees during deportation flights, intended as a safety measure to control erratic behavior.
Democratic senators are concerned because the WRAP has been used for prolonged periods during flights, has been linked to allegations of being used like punishment or torture, and ICE has not properly tracked its use as required by federal law.
Yes, investigations identified about a dozen fatal cases over the last decade where local authorities used the WRAP, and autopsies indicated restraint contributed to those deaths; however, the manufacturer states no deaths have occurred when the device is used correctly.
The senators are demanding transparency from ICE about the use of the WRAP during deportation flights, a full accounting of air operations, and a suspension of the WRAP's use until policies are clarified and questions resolved.
The Department of Homeland Security has not responded to inquiries, and ICE has refused to provide records regarding WRAP device usage despite repeated requests from senators.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.