The WRAP, a full-body restraint device, has been flagged by advocates and former detainees due to its controversial use in deportations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Despite intentions to provide safety, its employment is questioned, considering reports detailing prolonged periods of restraint during deportation flights.
Reports from the Associated Press (AP) indicate that the WRAP has been utilized on multiple occasions inappropriately, leading to mistreatment claims. Five individuals have recounted experiences of being restrained in the device for hours, with witnesses attesting to similar occurrences involving several detainees this year.
Developed in the late 90s as a humane alternative to more conventional restraining methods, the WRAP is now used widely across U.S. law enforcement. Its manufacturer, Safe Restraints Inc., states modifications were made to accommodate ICE's specific needs for its use during deportation flights.
However, the lack of transparent records pertaining to the device's deployment raises serious ethical questions, especially in light of reports from internal civil rights assessments within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that have voiced concerns over its application.
Advocacy groups warn of rights violations, stating that in some instances, the WRAP has been utilized as a tool of punishment rather than safety, with testimonies highlighting detainees being restrained after already being shackled, aiming to intimidate those who seek legal representation or show fear of deportation.
ICE and DHS are defending their practices, citing operational standards meant to ensure the safety of all involved; however, they have not provided comprehensive details on protocols concerning the use of the WRAP, leaving many questions unanswered.
As the scrutiny on ICE’s utilization of restraint methods intensifies, advocates continue to call for better oversight and humane treatment of individuals within immigration detention.
