Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) is preparing to deploy robotic dogs as part of its immigration enforcement operations.
The agency planning to spend as much as $2 million on Boston Dynamics’ four-legged Spot robots.
The Department of Homeland Security says ICE needs remotely operated robots capable of entering dangerous locations where sending officers could put them at unnecessary risk.
According to procurement documents, the robots will be used for “inspection, situational awareness, and hazard assessment” in confined, unstable and otherwise difficult-to-access environments.
ICE is expected to spend between $1 million and $2 million purchasing Spot robots and accompanying equipment.
With individual units costing roughly $75,000 before additional equipment, the contract could put dozens of robotic dogs into service.
ICE is planning to buy up to $2 million worth of robotic dogs named “Spot” made by Boston Dynamics. @NBCNews @JuliaEAinsley pic.twitter.com/QlcaGhagKW
— Laura V. Strickler (@strickdc) August 28, 2026
Boston Dynamics says Spot is already used by public-safety agencies for tasks.
This includes detecting hazardous gases, inspecting suspicious packages and unexploded ordnance, conducting search-and-rescue operations, exploring underground areas and assessing fire-damaged structures.
The company says its technology is intended to “keep people out of harm’s way.”
Despite their intimidating appearance, the robots will not be armed.
Boston Dynamics prohibits customers from weaponizing Spot under its terms of use and has publicly opposed attaching weapons to general-purpose robots.
The machines have been used by other law enforcement agencies.
The Los Angeles Police Department has deployed Spot to handle potentially dangerous objects.
Meanwhile, the New York Police Department previously abandoned its robot-dog program following public opposition.
The planned purchase comes as ICE dramatically expands its use of new technology as the Trump administration tries to fulfill its promise of mass deportations.
ICE recently awarded a $16.7 million contract for 6,000 electrically charged gloves designed to help officers control resisting suspects while reducing the need for more serious forms of force.
DHS says the technology is designed to protect immigration officers facing threats and violence from illegal aliens in the field.
“ICE is constantly assessing the needs of our officers in the field to ensure they have the tools and equipment necessary to safely arrest and remove criminal illegal aliens from our country,” a DHS spokesperson said.
Immigration arrests surged to nearly 50,000 in July, marking the highest monthly total of Trump’s second term.
The agency has also widened its enforcement operations, dramatically increased staffing and strengthened cooperation with state and local authorities.
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