US Border Tests Non-Lethal Heat Ray to Deter Illegal Immigration
The Trump administration is testing the non-lethal Active Denial System heat ray at the US-Mexico border to deter illegal immigration, raising ethical and legal concerns.
Pentagon Approves Non-Lethal Heat Ray for US Southern Border
The administration of US President Donald Trump is exploring a novel measure to counter illegal immigration along the southern border of the USA: the military non-lethal weapon known as the Active Denial System (ADS), or "heat ray". The system is designed to induce an intense burning sensation in the skin, compelling individuals to move away from the area where it is deployed.
According to a document signed last month by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the Pentagon has authorized the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to receive the system for testing and the development of tactics for potential use along the border with Mexico, as reported by CNN.
Mechanism and Operational Testing
The system emits an invisible beam of electromagnetic waves capable of reaching slightly over 800 meters. When the beam strikes human skin, it generates an intense sensation of heat, likened by Pentagon officials to opening a blazing oven. The tingling sensation lasts between 10 and 15 minutes, accompanied by an instinctive urge to flee the radiation source.
The Department of Homeland Security will be solely responsible for its operation, usage, and the development of related tactics and procedures during the seven-month temporary loan period starting in September.
Historical Context and Legal Concerns
While the deployment of the ADS at the US border would be unprecedented, the concept itself is not entirely new. The US military previously deployed the system to Afghanistan briefly but did not use it in combat. Officials have also discussed its potential use for crowd control during civil unrest, including protests during Trump's first term.
Legal, ethical, and operational concerns remain central to the debate. Former officials warned that deploying the weapon near the border could drive migrants back toward rivers, potentially exposing them to drowning risks, and raised sovereignty questions if the beam affects individuals still located on Mexican territory.
