ICE plans to spend up to $2 million for robot dogs

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to buy up to $1 to $2 million worth of robot dogs, according to a procurement notice. 

The notice states that ICE will purchase the robot dogs from "Boston Dynamics SPOT Robots and accessories" to "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."

The technology has also been used by the Secret Service, and the dogs have previously been seen patrolling Mar-A-Lago in social media posts. The robot dogs have 360-degree camera sights and are used by law enforcement around the country. 

"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 procurement notice added. The cost for the dogs ranges from $1 to $2 million. The purchase of the dogs also comes after DHS spent $16 million on electric shock gloves to be given to ICE agents. The gloves are used in enforcement and will aid in arrests. 

According to Boston Dynamics, the robots have sensors that can detect threats such as gas and radiation. They can also extend their arms to manipulate objects. The robot is useful to send into a hazardous situation where it could be considered unsafe for a person to go. They can be used to inspect a crime scene for explosives or other potential hazards.