Full-Body Restraint Prohibition Act

Legislative bill overview

HR 7709 would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from purchasing or using full-body restraints with federal funds. The bill was introduced in February 2026 and is currently under review by the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Why is this important

Full-body restraints used by law enforcement and immigration authorities have been associated with injury and death in custody situations. This bill directly addresses concerns about DHS use of restraint devices during immigration enforcement operations, detention procedures, and border security activities that could affect thousands of individuals annually.

Potential points of contention

• Definition and scope: The bill's language on what constitutes "full-body restraints" may be unclear, potentially creating enforcement ambiguity or unintended consequences for legitimate security equipment
• Operational impact: DHS agencies argue certain restraints are necessary safety tools for managing dangerous detainees or combating human trafficking; restricting them could complicate detention protocols
• Alternatives not specified: The bill doesn't mandate replacement technologies or alternative restraint methods, leaving DHS unclear on compliant operational procedures