Pentagon Authorizes DHS to Test Border Heat-Ray System

The Pentagon has authorized the Department of Homeland Security to borrow a military Active Denial System for seven months to test and develop possible procedures for border operations, but no deployment at the southern border has been announced. A memorandum signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth permits DHS to borrow one system beginning in September. The arrangement places responsibility for its use and for developing tactics, techniques and procedures with DHS. Pentagon personnel are not to operate the equipment during the loan period. The Active Denial System uses an invisible beam of electromagnetic energy that causes an intense burning sensation on exposed skin, according to descriptions by the U.S. military. Officials have compared the sensation to opening a hot oven and said the tingling can last 10 to 15 minutes. The system is described as nonlethal and is designed to prompt people to move away from the beam without firing projectiles. The authorization allows DHS to evaluate the device; it does not establish that the department will use it against migrants or at a particular border location. DHS did not say where testing would take place or how it would be...