ICE eyes $2 million for robot dogs in deportation tech push
What's new: The procurement notice says the robots would inspect hazardous spaces and support border and infrastructure security.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is exploring a purchase of robotic dogs as the agency expands enforcement technology during the Trump administration’s deportation drive. A federal procurement notice reviewed by multiple outlets shows ICE is considering spending up to $2 million on quadruped unmanned ground vehicles, including Boston Dynamics Spot robots. The notice says the machines would give agents remote inspection, situational awareness and hazard assessment in dangerous or hard-to-reach places, with uses tied to border and infrastructure security. The move follows another DHS-approved purchase for ICE: $16 million to equip officers nationwide with electric shock gloves, a plan that has drawn concern from civil liberties groups over force and oversight.