U.S. Customs and Border Protection is preparing to acquire a significant stockpile of chemical grenades, sprays, projectiles, and other munitions, as indicated by procurement documents. This decision comes in the wake of extensive scrutiny regarding the use of such munitions on American streets, raising concerns about their application in crowd control and law enforcement.
The agency plans to allocate up to $50 million for what it labels “Less Lethal Specialty Munitions.” This term serves as a euphemism for weapons designed to incapacitate or injure rather than kill. The procurement documents detail a request for a staggering array of 123 different types of munitions across ten categories, prompting questions about the tactical objectives behind such a diverse arsenal. Rohini Haar, an emergency physician and researcher specializing in less-lethal ordnance, expressed her concerns, stating, “When there’s so many different kinds, it makes you question, tactically, what’s the goal there?”
The indiscriminate use of these so-called less-lethal weapons has already been a hallmark of federal agents’ operations, particularly during the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement actions. The Department of Homeland Security’s ongoing stockpiling of tear gases and projectiles suggests a continuation of this trend, despite documented instances of misuse. The lack of response from CBP or the Department of Homeland Security regarding these procurement plans further compounds the uncertainty surrounding their implementation.
Haar also raised doubts about the adequacy of training provided to federal agents for the diverse range of weapons included in the procurement list. Each type of munition has distinct specifications and operational requirements. For instance, some are handheld grenades that require precise throwing techniques, while others are launched from a distance, necessitating different handling protocols.
Among the munitions sought are various forms of tear gas, including chlorobenzalmalononitrile (CS) and oleoresin capsicum (OC). CS, a chemical weapon previously utilized by the U.S. military in Vietnam, is now banned for military use, while OC is derived from chili peppers. The procurement documents indicate that CBP agents already employ these chemical agents in the field, including against protesters, despite the potential for severe health effects.
Recent studies underscore the dangers associated with exposure to chemical agents. A 2023 study from the University of Minnesota found a significant correlation between greater exposure to tear gas and adverse reproductive health outcomes, including uterine cramping and delayed menstrual cycles. This raises critical questions about the long-term health implications for individuals exposed to these chemicals during protests or other encounters with law enforcement.
The procurement list also includes a variety of smoke grenades and tear-gas grenades, with plans to purchase over 242,000 munitions from the “Hand Delivered Pyrotechnic Canisters” category and more than 100,000 rounds of impact munitions. These impact munitions, designed to either release a chemical agent upon impact or inflict harm through sheer force, further illustrate the potential for misuse and injury.
The potential for injury from these less-lethal munitions is significant. Incidents involving demonstrators have already highlighted the risks. For example, Kaden Rummler, an anti-ICE protester, lost sight in one eye after being struck in the face by a federal officer. Such injuries raise alarms about the safety protocols surrounding the use of these weapons.
Additionally, the procurement documents reveal plans to acquire “distraction devices” capable of emitting sounds exceeding 175 decibels, louder than a gunshot. The National Hearing Conservation Association warns that exposure to sound levels above 140 decibels can result in permanent hearing damage. The implications of such devices extend beyond immediate physical harm, as they may contribute to long-term psychological trauma for those exposed.
The inclusion of rubber-ball grenades and scattershot projectiles in the procurement list has raised concerns among experts. These weapons can release a burst of small rubber fragments, akin to shrapnel, which can cause serious injuries. Scott Reynhout, a researcher who co-authored a publication on the topic, noted that the potential for these weapons to cause harm is alarming, particularly given their limited use in past protests.
Furthermore, the procurement includes projectiles designed to penetrate barriers, such as “ferret rounds,” which can spread tear gas on the other side of walls. Haar emphasized the dangers of such munitions, stating, “If it can go through glass, particle board, and walls, it can go through a body.”
As the U.S. Customs and Border Protection moves forward with its plans to acquire these munitions, the implications for public safety and civil liberties remain a pressing concern. The potential for misuse and the lack of accountability in the deployment of these weapons highlight the need for a thorough examination of law enforcement practices and the ethical considerations surrounding the use of less-lethal munitions in crowd control scenarios.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research