ICE Accused of Using Inhumane Restraint Method on Immigrants

ICE uses controversial WRAP system

Abuse reported during deportations

Device linked to multiple deaths

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is using a strapping device to restrain immigrants during deportations, despite reports linking its use to several deaths in recent years.

An investigation revealed that ICE continues employing a system known as the WRAP restraint system, a full-body restraint device that restricts nearly all movement.

The system has been criticized by human rights organizations, attorneys, and relatives of those affected, who describe it as an inhumane and dangerous mechanism.

The Associated Press (AP) documented at least five people subjected to this device since the first presidency of Donald Trump.

ICE continues use of the WRAP restraint system despite complaints

ICE is still using a controversial restraint system to immobilize deportees. https://t.co/DG9jTNnJFF

— Noticias Telemundo (@TelemundoNews) October 14, 2025

Witnesses cited in the investigation say they are aware of at least seven additional cases so far this year, during Trump’s second term.

Some of those people were immobilized with the WRAP restraint system during deportation flights that lasted several hours, according to Telemundo.

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One of the victims, Juan Antonio Pineda, a Salvadoran immigrant who said he had lived legally in the U.S., reported being detained after attending an immigration appointment to renew his work permit and later deported to Mexico in late September.

ICE WRAP device linked to deaths

Takeaways from the AP investigation into ICE’s use of a full-body restraint device known as the WRAP https://t.co/FmKYznrDV9 pic.twitter.com/zgm8JErLFM

— The Independent (@Independent) October 14, 2025

During his deportation, Pineda claims ICE agents immobilized him for hours inside a kind of bag that completely restricted his movement.

His description matches the characteristics of the ICE WRAP restraint system, also nicknamed “the burrito” for the way it wraps the person entirely.

The WRAP functions like a combination of a body bag and a reinforced straitjacket with black and yellow straps.

In addition to being strapped, detainees are often handcuffed, further limiting movement.

Federal lawsuits filed against ICE

#TvMigranteInforma

A Nigerian man reported being violently restrained by @ICEgov agents in a detention center, where he and others were placed in straitjackets. According to information obtained by @AP, several individuals were subjected to this same treatment… pic.twitter.com/VjDF2nj0XP

— TV Migrante (@TvMigrante) October 14, 2025

The AP investigation indicates that ICE continues to use this method even though the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — the agency overseeing ICE — warned against it back in 2023.

A DHS report from that year revealed it had received reports of deaths linked to the WRAP restraint system.

AP identified at least ten deaths in local jails or prisons associated with the device, with autopsies partially attributing the fatalities to “restraints.”

The use of the WRAP has been the subject of multiple federal lawsuits.

Manufacturer received government payments

Plaintiffs allege that the device is being used as punishment against individuals who pose no threat and were merely requesting legal counsel before deportation.

Activists also accuse ICE of failing to document when and under what criteria the WRAP restraint system is used, despite federal law requiring detailed reporting on use-of-force incidents.

One complainant told AP he was beaten until his jaw was fractured before being immobilized with the device during a deportation flight.

“It was the most painful experience of my life,” he said, claiming that the apparatus caused severe pain even without prior physical assault.

The device’s manufacturer, Safe Restraints Inc., has received at least $268,500 in federal payments since 2015 for the purchase of these restraints.

Public records show that 90% of that spending occurred during both of Trump’s administrations.

AP reported that ICE refused to release documentation on its use of the WRAP or to answer questions about the criteria used to determine when it’s applied.

So far, neither ICE nor DHS has explained why the agency continues using the device despite internal warnings about its dangers.