A Nigerian man recounts his harrowing experience aboard a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation flight, where he and others were shackled and then placed in full-body restraint suits known as the WRAP. This encounter, described by witnesses as akin to kidnapping, raises deep concerns about the treatment of detainees during deportations.
ICE's use of the WRAP has sparked controversy, especially following reports revealing that the device is employed even when detainees are already restrained. The WRAP, utilized in deportations since at least 2020, has reportedly led to intense physical discomfort and psychological strain for many deportees.
“It’s just like being kidnapped,” said one deportee from the camp in Ghana, who spoke under anonymity for fear of retaliation. In an investigation, multiple users of the WRAP detailed their experiences of being bound in a manner they described as punitive and dehumanizing during long flights.
The device, which advocates claim can be misused to intimidate detainees, has been the subject of several lawsuits alleging violations of civil rights. Legal representatives emphasize that the use of such restraints should be an absolute last resort, arguing that they are often deployed inappropriately against those already perceived as compliant.
ICE's practices have drawn scrutiny from various rights organizations, pointing to dangerous instances where the WRAP led to serious health complications or even fatalities when used in other contexts across law enforcement agencies.
Through interviews and case analysis, the alarming trend regarding the agency's operation reflects a broader issue within the U.S. immigration system, where the treatment of individuals facing deportation often collides with basic human rights standards. As the call for systemic reform grows, advocates continue to question the ethical implications of traditional enforcement tactics in the enforcement of immigration policies.
