Politics

ICE plans to spend up to $2 million on robot dogs for hazardous operations

A federal procurement notice shows the agency intends to deploy remotely operated Boston Dynamics units to support officer safety and surveillance.

Updated Aug 28, 2026 · 22:19 UTC1 reports

The short version

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is seeking to acquire up to $2 million in Boston Dynamics SPOT robot dogs.
The remotely operated devices will be deployed for hazard assessments, situational awareness, border security, and infrastructure inspection in high-risk areas.
The move follows a separate Department of Homeland Security authorization approving $16 million for ICE to acquire electric shock gloves.

A federal procurement notice indicates ICE plans to spend up to $2 million on Boston Dynamics SPOT robot dogs.[ABC News]
The robotic devices feature 360-degree cameras and extendable arms capable of opening doors, but they do not possess attacking capabilities like traditional police K-9 units.[ABC News]
According to the notice, the technology aims to improve officer safety and decision-making during incidents in dangerous, confined, or difficult-to-access environments.[ABC News]
The Secret Service and local police departments, including the Los Angeles Police Department, have previously utilized Boston Dynamics robot dogs for security and hazard inspection.[ABC News]
The Department of Homeland Security previously approved $16 million for ICE to procure electric shock gloves for its officers.[ABC News]

The exact timeline for the contract award, delivery, and deployment of the units has not been specified in the procurement notice.[ABC News]