Secrecy and Restraints: The Controversial Use of the WRAP in Deportation Flights

A group of 11 US senators, led by Chris Van Hollen, are raising concerns over the secretive use of full-body restraints known as the WRAP in deportation flights by ICE. Allegations point towards human rights issues and calls for transparency, while federal lawsuits liken improper usage to torture.

A cloud of "near-total secrecy" surrounds the use of full-body restraints, termed the WRAP, on deportation flights, prompting serious human rights concerns, according to a letter from 11 Democratic US senators. The letter, addressed to top immigration officials, demands transparency and accountability from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Maryland's US Senator Chris Van Hollen and others urge ICE to disclose their air operations details and halt the use of the WRAP until comprehensive policies and questions surrounding its usage are addressed. Notably, an Associated Press investigation highlighted incidents where ICE employed the device, sometimes for hours, on deportation flights since 2020.

With several federal lawsuits comparing the device's improper use to torture, lawmakers and advocates demand oversight. US Rep Delia Ramirez is crafting legislation to curtail ICE's WRAP usage. Despite ICE's secrecy, this issue underscores critical conversations about human rights and government accountability.

(With inputs from agencies.)