ICE buying robot ‘dogs’ for immigration enforcement
LOS ANGELES:- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is preparing to spend up to $2 million on four-legged robots as part of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
ICE plans to use Boston Dynamics’ “Spot” robot dogs, which are designed to enter potentially dangerous or suspicious locations that pose too great a risk for ICE officers.
Robots are already being used by two of the nation’s major police departments, and they were seen being deployed by the Secret Service at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in 2024.
ICE stated that the robots do not attack people. The agency said they are being acquired to help keep officers out of harm’s way and to gain access in dangerous situations.
Boston Dynamics stated that its machines are used by government agencies and public safety organizations to “keep people out of harm’s way and assist first responders in assessing dangerous situations.”
According to the company, the use of the robots as weapons is “strictly prohibited.”
However, critics are expressing concerns about how this technology could be used in immigration enforcement operations.
The planned purchase comes as the Department of Homeland Security faces criticism over another unusual law enforcement tool: electric-shock gloves.
ICE recently secured a contract worth over $16.7 million for 6,000 pairs of gloves capable of delivering an electric shock.
According to officials, these gloves are a “less-lethal” option; they are designed to help security personnel bring situations under control immediately without resorting to Tasers or firearms. The administration stated that the goal is to enhance the safety of security personnel.
