ACLU files lawsuit against ICE in Los Angeles for records on full-body restraint suit usage.
A civil rights organization has filed a lawsuit against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles, demanding the release of records related to the use of the WRAP, a full-body restraint device employed on individuals in immigration custody during transportation and deportation. The request aims to shed light on the practices and policies surrounding the use of this controversial device.
Commonly referred to as “the burrito” or “the bag,” the WRAP is frequently utilized during deportation flights and can immobilize individuals for extended periods. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Southern California asserts that people subjected to this device have reported serious adverse effects, including difficulty breathing, chest pressure, loss of sensation, and severe injuries. Medical and use-of-force experts have expressed concerns that prolonged or improper application of full-body restraints can pose significant risks, such as positional asphyxia and circulatory distress, potentially leading to fatal outcomes.
The ACLU alleges that there have been instances where ICE personnel employed the WRAP as a punitive measure against undocumented individuals who either protested their deportations or attempted to contact legal counsel. This raises critical questions regarding the oversight and protocols governing ICE’s usage of the device, according to the lawsuit filed in federal court.
Notably, a complaint initiated by the Department of Homeland Security’s civil rights office in November 2024 indicated that ICE allegedly misused the WRAP. It asserted that the agency operated the device contrary to the manufacturer’s guidelines, contributing to breathing difficulties and pain, while failing to take into account individuals’ medical and psychological conditions prior to its application and lacking adequate monitoring.
The ACLU’s lawsuit further critiques ICE’s Air Operations Handbook, arguing that it lacks comprehensive guidance on the circumstances under which the WRAP may be deployed and what safeguards must be in place. The Freedom of Information Act request included in the suit seeks to acquire ICE records to assess how the WRAP is utilized within the agency, the governing policies and criteria, as well as the oversight mechanisms ensuring safety and compliance with legal standards.
The organization emphasizes that the requested documentation is crucial for evaluating whether ICE’s practices align with constitutional mandates and medical standards. The complaint highlights serious concerns regarding the potential for serious health risks during deportations, specifically noting that individuals may be restrained in positions that considerably heighten the risk of asphyxia, particularly for those with existing respiratory or cardiovascular health issues.
Additionally, past reports have documented a dozen fatalities over the last decade in which the use of the WRAP by local law enforcement contributed to death, underscoring the urgency of addressing these safety concerns surrounding the device in immigration contexts.
As the lawsuit continues to unfold, the implications for ICE’s practices and the welfare of individuals in their custody remain critical, placing a spotlight on the need for transparency and accountability within the agency.
