A Nigerian man has described a nightmarish deportation experience after being shackled and put in a full-body restraint device by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This device, known as the WRAP, has sparked federal lawsuits over its alleged use in a manner deemed punitive and abusive.
During a chaotic incident in September, detainees found themselves forcibly transported for hours to Ghana, despite not being from that country. When they requested their attorneys, ICE officers denied their requests and instead secured them in the WRAP, a device that confines the entire body, leading to severe discomfort for those already in chains.
Examples of the device's controversial use have emerged from several deportation flights dating back to 2020. Multiple detainees reported feeling like they were being kidnapped, with one stating, It was the most painful thing I’ve been through. Advocates now argue that the use of such restraints could lead to lasting psychological trauma.
The WRAP's safety and legality have come under intense scrutiny following numerous incidents where its usage coincided with allegations of serious injuries and fatalities. Reports from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security echo concerns noted in a 2023 civil rights report, calling into question ICE's methods and accountability. Furthermore, the lack of official guidelines on the usage of the WRAP has prompted widespread outcry from human rights organizations.
Detainees have described their experiences as traumatic, likening it to being bundled like a log of wood and carried off as if they were corpses. Many allege that the use of the WRAP is a violation of their rights, calling it inhumane.
As ICE continues to utilize the WRAP amid a climate of aggressive deportation actions, advocates emphasize the need for significant reform regarding restraining practices and the treatment of immigrants.
