The full-body restraint device, known as the WRAP, has become a troubling element of deportation procedures for certain immigrants. Investigations reveal that ICE officers have employed this device during deportation flights, raising concerns about its appropriateness and the treatment of detainees.
Originating in the late 1990s as a safer alternative to traditional restraint methods, the WRAP has gained traction in prisons and law enforcement, with over 1,800 departments currently utilizing it. The device is designed to prevent positional asphyxia and allow some movement for the wearer.
However, recent revelations indicate that its use has been adopted in deportations, with reports suggesting that individuals have been restrained in the device for extended periods during flights. Advocacy groups have begun legal actions against ICE, drawing parallels between its use and torture, and cautioning that ICE might be bypassing laws that call for reporting restraint usage.
At the heart of the controversy is the disparity between the intended application of the WRAP to handle aggressive behavior and its documented use as a means of punishment. Detainees have alleged that officers have employed the device to reprimand them for expressing fear of deportation or requesting legal assistance.
ICE's spokesperson claims the device is a crucial standard operating procedure for ensuring safety during deportation flights, but detailed responses about its policies remain elusive. Advocates continue to call for scrutiny and reform regarding the use of restraint devices in immigration contexts.
