Full-Body Restraint Prohibition Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3]
- Committees
- Homeland Security Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 26, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to ban the use and acquisition of full-body restraints by the Department of Homeland Security, imposing strict penalties for non-compliance and requiring detailed reporting on any violations to enhance accountability and protect individuals in custody.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to prohibit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from obligating or expending federal funds for the acquisition of, or utilizing, full-body restraints, defined as four-point and five-point restraints that immobilize an individual. It mandates the removal from federal service of any DHS officer or employee who violates this prohibition or deceives Congress or departmental leadership about it. The bill also requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit quarterly reports to Congress detailing compliance and any violations.
Proponents argue
Supporters would argue this bill is essential for protecting the civil liberties and human rights of individuals in DHS custody, preventing potentially harmful and inhumane practices, and ensuring robust accountability within the department. They contend that such restraints are often unnecessary and can be replaced by more humane de-escalation techniques or less restrictive forms of restraint, aligning federal practices with evolving standards of care and human dignity.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that such a prohibition could limit the ability of DHS personnel to safely manage combative or dangerous individuals, potentially endangering officers, other detainees, or the public. They may contend that full-body restraints are a necessary tool of last resort in extreme situations and that existing protocols and training are sufficient to prevent misuse, making a blanket ban an overreach that compromises operational safety.
The bill is very concise and straightforward, allowing for a quick read and ample time to consider its policy implications.
Section 2, adding new section 714(a) to Title VII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002
Prohibition on Acquisition and Utilization of Full-Body Restraints
This provision explicitly forbids the Secretary of Homeland Security from using federal funds to purchase full-body restraints and from utilizing such restraints in any operational context. This creates a blanket ban on both the procurement and deployment of these specific types of restraints by any component of the Department of Homeland Security.
Supporters argue
Advocates for civil liberties and human rights would argue this provision is crucial to prevent inhumane treatment and ensure the dignity and safety of individuals in federal custody, asserting that less restrictive alternatives are always preferable.
Critics contend
Some law enforcement or security officials might argue this restricts necessary tools for managing high-risk, combative individuals, potentially compromising the safety of officers and other detainees in extreme situations.
Tradeoffs
This provision navigates the tension between ensuring the humane treatment and civil liberties of individuals in custody and providing DHS personnel with tools to manage potentially dangerous situations and maintain order.
Section 2, adding new section 714(b) to Title VII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002
Saving Provision for Existing Contracts
This clause clarifies that the prohibition on obligating or expending funds for full-body restraints does not apply to contracts or similar agreements that were entered into on or before the date the bill is enacted. This means DHS can fulfill existing contractual obligations for these restraints, but cannot enter into new ones or utilize them.
Section 2, adding new section 714(c) to Title VII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002
Mandatory Removal from Federal Service for Violations
This provision mandates that any Department of Homeland Security officer or employee who violates the prohibition on full-body restraints, or who deceives Congress or departmental leadership regarding such a prohibition, shall be removed from Federal service. This establishes a severe and non-discretionary penalty for non-compliance.
Section 2, adding new section 714(d) to Title VII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002
Quarterly Reporting Requirements to Congress
This provision requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit quarterly reports to specific Congressional committees. These reports must include information on departmental compliance with the prohibitions, an accounting of any full-body restraints in DHS possession, and detailed information about any violations, including the individual involved, reasons for use, demographics, injuries, duration of restraint, and identification of responsible personnel.
Section 2, adding new section 714(e) to Title VII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002
Definition of 'Full-Body Restraints'
This section defines the term 'full-body restraints' for the purposes of this Act as 'four-point and five-point restraints that immobilize an individual.' This precise definition clarifies the scope of the prohibition, ensuring that only specific types of restraints are targeted by the bill.