Trump administration criticizes ACLU in Los Angeles for reported improper use of full-body restraints.
The Trump administration issued a strong rebuke to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on Friday in response to a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles regarding the use of the WRAP, a controversial full-body restraint device employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The ACLU’s legal action seeks to obtain records pertaining to the circumstances under which the WRAP is used, asserting that it may be deployed in a punitive manner against individuals in immigration custody and during deportation flights.
The WRAP, sometimes referred to as “the burrito” or “the bag,” is designed for short-term use; however, reports indicate that ICE has applied this device to detainees for extended periods, raising significant concerns about its safety. According to the ACLU of Southern California, the use of the WRAP has resulted in physical harm and, in some instances, death.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded to the claims by accusing the ACLU of misrepresenting facts, stating that the organization appears to prioritize the interests of undocumented immigrants over those of American citizens.
In February, Representative Delia C. Ramirez (D-Illinois) allied with advocacy organizations, including the League of United Latin American Citizens and the National Immigration Law Center, to propose the Full Body Restraint Prohibition Act. This pending legislation aims to restrict the use of federal funds by the DHS for acquiring and using the WRAP.
The ACLU’s lawsuit emphasizes that individuals subjected to the WRAP have reported severe issues, such as difficulty breathing and chest pressure, along with serious injuries. Experts in medical and use-of-force theory warned that the improper or prolonged application of full-body restraints can lead to critical risks, including positional asphyxia and circulatory distress. Allegations in the lawsuit detail incidents where ICE staff allegedly utilized the WRAP as a form of punishment against individuals who protested their deportation or sought legal counsel.
ICE maintains that the WRAP is only employed for individuals deemed combative or at risk of self-harm during deportation flights, and only on agency-operated aircraft. An ICE representative further clarified that those tasked with applying the device are required to undergo appropriate training to ensure its correct use.
Nevertheless, the concerns raised by the ACLU have caught the attention of Congress. In its November 2024 annual report addressed to lawmakers, the DHS civil rights office outlined a complaint stating that ICE had employed the WRAP inappropriately and disregarded the manufacturer’s instructions. This misuse reportedly contributed to significant breathing difficulties and other harmful consequences, insufficiently addressing medical and psychological conditions before application while lacking adequate monitoring.
The ACLU has emphasized the need for transparency from ICE regarding the use of the WRAP, filing a Freedom of Information Act request aimed at uncovering the agency’s internal policies and practices associated with this device. The organization argues that the information requested is vital for evaluating whether ICE’s practices align with constitutional requirements, accepted medical standards, and the provisions set forth by the agency itself.
Recent reporting has highlighted alarming statistics concerning the use of the WRAP. An article from the Associated Press identified multiple fatalities over the past decade where the application of the WRAP by law enforcement officials contributed to deaths, raising further ethical concerns about the device’s deployment in sensitive immigration contexts.
The ongoing legal battle and the broader implications of the policies governing the use of the WRAP continue to raise critical questions about the state of civil liberties and human rights within the framework of U.S. immigration enforcement.
