ICE Explores Purchase of Robot Dogs for Immigration Enforcement

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is exploring the purchase of robotic dogs as part of its expanding use of technology for immigration enforcement. The agency posted a market research notice on August 29, 2026, seeking information on quadruped unmanned ground vehicles, specifically the Spot robot made by Boston Dynamics. The notice indicates ICE plans to spend between $1 million and $2 million on the robots and accompanying equipment. According to procurement documents, the remotely operated robots are intended to support officer safety by providing capabilities for inspection, situational awareness, and hazard assessment. They would be deployed in environments deemed dangerous, confined, unstable, or otherwise difficult for personnel to access. A senior Department of Homeland Security official clarified that the robots will not be used to make arrests or take direct enforcement action against individuals. Instead, their role is limited to support functions such as observation and navigation during operations. The Spot robots are equipped with 360-degree cameras and extendable arms, allowing them to open doors and pick up objects.