Robot ‘dogs’ in immigration enforcement? ICE plans $2 million purchase

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is planning to spend up to $2 million on robotic “dogs” to assist agents during immigration enforcement operations, according to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding document.

The document, posted on DHS’s Acquisition Planning Forecast System on Thursday, said the agency could spend between $1 million and $2 million on Boston Dynamics’ “Spot” robot and related accessories.

A senior DHS official confirmed the plan to NBC News and said the robots would not be used to make arrests. ICE has not yet publicly commented on the proposal.

Robots designed for hazardous environments

The four-legged machines are equipped with cameras and sensors capable of detecting vibration, gas and radiation, according to Boston Dynamics.

In the funding notice, DHS said the robots would be used for “inspection, situational awareness, and hazard assessment in environments that may pose risks to personnel.”

The notice said the technology could help officers assess dangerous or difficult-to-reach locations while reducing the risks faced by personnel.

“This capability helps improve officer safety, supports informed operational decision-making, and enhances DHS’s ability to respond to incidents involving dangerous, confined, unstable, or difficult-to-access areas,” the notice states.

The robots are already being used by several US law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles and New York police departments. The US Secret Service also used robotic dogs while securing President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in 2024.

Boston Dynamics sets limits on use

Boston Dynamics has said it will not allow its robots to be turned into weapons or autonomous targeting systems.

The company said in its ethics statement that it “will not authorize nor partner with those who wish to use our robots as weapons or autonomous targeting systems.”

“If our products are being used for harm, we will take appropriate measures to mitigate that misuse,” the company continued.

Proposal follows electric shock glove purchase

The planned purchase comes shortly after ICE's controversial decision to acquire up to $20 million worth of electric shock gloves for officers involved in immigration operations.

White House border czar Tom Homan defended that purchase, saying the gloves could help agents avoid using deadly force.

Meanwhile, a group of Democratic senators urged ICE acting Director David Venturella in a Thursday letter to cancel the contract and “instead invest in de-escalation tools, training, and accountability.”