ICE plans to spend up to $2 million on robot dogs — The Hill
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to spend between $1 million and $2 million on Boston Dynamics' Spot robots and additional equipment for them. The Hill reports, citing a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) document.
Tasks of the robots
A document published in the DHS procurement forecasting system states that the robotic devices will be used for inspections, assessing hazardous conditions, and increasing situational awareness in environments that may pose risks to personnel.
DHS said the equipment is intended to help improve employee safety, support operational decision-making, and strengthen the agency's ability to respond to incidents in hazardous, confined, unstable, or hard-to-reach locations. A senior DHS official confirmed the procurement plans to NBC News and said the robots would not be used for arrests.
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Equipment and previous use
According to Boston Dynamics, Spot robots are equipped with cameras and sensors capable of detecting vibration, gas, and radiation. Similar devices are already used by law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles and New York police departments. The U.S. Secret Service also deployed robot dogs to protect President Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in 2024.
In its ethical statement, Boston Dynamics said it would not authorize or cooperate with those seeking to use its robots as weapons or autonomous targeting systems. The company also said it would take appropriate measures to mitigate the consequences of potential harmful use of its products.
Another ICE procurement
The robot proposal came after the agency's decision to purchase electric shock gloves worth up to $20 million for employees involved in immigration operations. White House border coordinator Tom Homan defended the procurement, arguing that the gloves could reduce the need for agents to use deadly force. A group of Democratic senators, in a letter to acting ICE Director David Venturalli, called for the contract to be canceled and for investment instead in de-escalation tools, training, and accountability.
