The Trump administration is exploring the addition of robot dogs to the expanding arsenal of federal immigration authorities as they seek to increase arrests and deportations nationwide. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) posted a market-research notice Friday indicating the agency is looking into the purchase of “quadruped unmanned ground vehicles,” commonly known as robotic dogs.
Enforcement Technology and Civil Concerns
The posting arrives amid mounting concerns from civil liberties groups regarding increased funding for ICE. The agency is currently facing scrutiny over the use of force during President Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation drive. Beyond robotics, the agency has signaled plans to boost spending on enforcement tech, including up to $20 million to outfit agents with electric shock gloves designed to deliver a debilitating shock upon direct skin contact.
Budget and Procurement Status
According to NBC News, which first reported the interest in the quadruped robots, the government is looking to spend at least $2 million on the technology. ICE’s market research posting stipulates that there is currently no guarantee the government will solicit a future order. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the potential acquisition.
