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DHS to Use Military 'Heat Ray' at US-Mexico Border

October 22, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

DHS to use military 'heat ray' at US-Mexico border.
Pentagon loans Active Denial System for seven months.
System can heat skin, causing burning sensation.
DHS to develop tactics for use.

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Strategic Implications

This loan may indicate a shift in US border control strategies, potentially leveraging military technology for civilian law enforcement. The use of the Active Denial System could raise concerns about human rights and the treatment of migrants, which may impact DHS's reputation and relationships with international partners.

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What Happened

Pentagon Loans Active Denial System for Crowd Control

The US Department of Defense has loaned the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) a military ‘heat ray’ system for use at the US-Mexico border. The Active Denial System, which can heat the skin to cause a burning sensation, will be used for crowd control. The system was previously deployed to Afghanistan but never used in combat. The loan is for seven months, starting in September 2026, and DHS will be responsible for developing tactics and procedures for its use. The move has raised concerns about the use of military technology for civilian law enforcement, as reported by CNN.

Source | Originally Published: October 21, 2026

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