The Controversial Use of WRAP Restraints in ICE Deportations

Tue Oct 14 2025 19:28:50 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

An investigation reveals how the WRAP full-body restraint device is employed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during deportation flights, raising concerns about inhumane treatment.

The WRAP, a full-body restraint device intended to prevent harm during transport, has been increasingly used during deportation flights by ICE. An AP investigation uncovered multiple instances of its deployment, sometimes for hours, even after detainees were already shackled. Critics argue this represents a dangerous overreach of power and akin to punishment and torture. ICE defends its practices as standard protocol. The use of the WRAP is under scrutiny amid reports linking it to fatalities. Advocates call for transparency regarding its use and the impact on detainees.

The WRAP has become a distressing element of the deportation process for many immigrants. A recent investigation by the Associated Press (AP) highlights the extensive use of this black-and-yellow full-body restraint during deportation flights conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Understanding the WRAP

Initially introduced in the late 1990s, the WRAP was designed as a safer alternative to traditional restraints like hog-tying, aiming to protect both officers and detainees from harm. Currently utilized by over 1,800 law enforcement agencies nationwide, the device has reportedly sold over 10,000 units.

The CEO of Safe Restraints Inc., the manufacturer of the WRAP, disclosed that a modified version tailored for ICE was created, allowing for its use during flights and lengthy bus routes. This version includes features such as a ring on the front for cuff attachments, soft elbow cuffs promoting circulation while securing detainees.

Findings from the Investigation

Under the scrutiny of the AP investigation, individuals restrained in the WRAP reported harrowing experiences, being kept in the device for extended periods on ICE flights. Despite internal warnings about the device's potential risks, ICE continued its use, even amid growing concerns raised in a 2023 civil rights report. Historical incidents have linked the device's misuse to fatalities, leading to federal lawsuits describing it as a form of punishment or torture.

Responses from ICE and DHS

ICE and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have refrained from elaborating on the policies regarding WRAP usage. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for DHS, claimed that utilizing restraints during deportation is standard protocol for ensuring safety. Transparency regarding the specific practices followed remains elusive.

This investigation raises urgent questions about the treatment of detainees during deportation processes and the implications of using full-body restraints, sparking discussions around ethics and legality in law enforcement practices.