Most people have never heard of the WRAP — a black-and-yellow full-body restraint device that straps people’s legs together, pins their arms behind them, and forces them to sit upright with their hands cuffed to their chest. It was designed for extreme situations, like someone violently attacking officers. But ICE has been using it during deportations, even on people who are already shackled and not resisting.

An investigation by the Associated Press found that immigrants have been restrained in the WRAP for hours during deportation flights.

Some said they were strapped in just for asking to speak to a lawyer or out of fear about returning to dangerous countries.

Others were restrained even though they posed no threat at all.

Some described it as punishment, or even torture.

This isn’t just inhumane, it’s dangerous. The device has been linked to multiple deaths when used by police and jails across the country. Even the Department of Homeland Security’s own civil rights division raised red flags about ICE’s use of the WRAP. Yet ICE won’t say how often it’s used, or on whom.

No one should be restrained like this, especially not people fleeing violence, trauma, or persecution. Even violent criminals in U.S. prisons often aren’t treated this way. It’s extreme, unnecessary, and cruel.

We’re calling on the Department of Homeland Security and members of Congress to immediately ban the use of the WRAP in all immigration enforcement and deportation settings. ICE must be held accountable for how people are treated in its custody.

Every person deserves to be treated with basic dignity, no matter their immigration status. If you agree this device has no place in our immigration system, add your name now.

Photo: . (AP Video/Allen G. Breed)