ICE plans to purchase robot dogs

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is looking to spend up to $2 million on robot dogs, according to a federal procurement notice.

The Boston Dynamic SPOT Robots will help “support public safety and law enforcement operations by providing a remotely operated robotic capability for inspection, situational awareness, and hazard assessment in environments that may pose risks to personnel,” according to the notice.

The technology is also used by the Secret Service. In 2024, the company’s robot dogs were seen patrolling Mar-A-Lago in social media videos that went viral.

The robot dogs, which are equipped with 360-degree cameras and can open doors, are also used by police departments across the country. 

They cannot attack like a normal police dog, but they do have extendable arms.

In a video posted by the Los Angeles Police Department in 2023, the device is shown examining a crime scene for guns and explosives. 

The procurement notice said the robotic dogs will help with securing the border and infrastructure security.

“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 stated.

The procurement notice for the robot dog comes after the Department of Homeland Security approved spending $16 million for ICE to purchase electric shock gloves to give to officers around the country.