Hegseth Authorizes DHS to Test Heat Ray at US-Mexico Border 2026

Pete Hegseth, the US secretary of defense, reportedly authorized the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to test a non-lethal “heat ray” at the US-Mexico border, according to a memo first obtained by CNN. The weapon, known as the Active Denial System (ADS), is a military-grade device that shoots an energy beam causing an intense heating sensation on the skin. The move has sparked debate over the use of such technology in border security operations.

What Is the Active Denial System?

The Active Denial System is a non-lethal weapon that uses millimeter-wave technology to create a burning sensation on the skin without causing physical injury. According to a 2009 National Defense University case study, the beam penetrates only about 1/64th of an inch into the skin, stimulating nerve endings and causing a reflexive reaction such as ducking or running. The system was developed by the US military as a crowd-control tool and has been tested in various environments.

Details of the Memo and Authorization

Hegseth signed the memo last month, permitting a “temporary loan” of the Active Denial System to the DHS for seven months starting in September. The DHS can request further use of the Pentagon system if needed. A spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said the agency is “continually evaluating new technology, especially technology that can save lives while simultaneously enhancing national security effectiveness.” The Pentagon referred questions to the DHS, which shared the CBP statement. The background to this story is set out in Pete Hegseth Testosterone Policy: Gender-Affirming Care for Soldi. A related thread runs through Pete Hegseth Mandates Testosterone Screening for Soldiers Over 30. Earlier coverage in DHS Secretary Backs Trump's Baseless 2020 Election Claims shows how the argument developed.

Why the Heat Ray Matters for Border Security

The authorization comes amid ongoing debates over border security and the use of force. The Active Denial System is designed to be non-lethal, but its deployment raises ethical and practical questions. Critics argue that using such a weapon on migrants could cause panic and injuries, while supporters claim it offers a humane alternative to physical barriers or firearms. The memo does not specify exactly how the DHS plans to use the system, but it permits potential operations at the US-Mexico border. A closer look at the same subject appears in Election Security Debate: DHS Threats Over Voter Claims. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Wallabies Heat Test: Les Kiss Era Starts in Sweltering Japan. The same theme surfaces in AusAlert Test: Australia's National Emergency Warning System, which takes a different angle.

Historical Context and Previous Deployments

The US military initially deployed the Active Denial System to Afghanistan nearly 20 years ago, but it was quickly returned home without being used in combat. The system has also been considered for use in domestic law enforcement and prison settings. Its effectiveness and safety have been studied extensively, but concerns remain about its potential for misuse and the psychological impact on individuals. Context on how this played out before sits in Business: latest articles.

Key Takeaways

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly signed a memo authorizing a seven-month loan of the Active Denial System to DHS.
• The Active Denial System is a non-lethal heat ray that causes an intense heating sensation on the skin.
• The DHS may use the system for operations at the US-Mexico border, though specifics are unclear.
• The system was previously deployed to Afghanistan but was withdrawn without use.
• The move raises ethical questions about the use of advanced weaponry in border enforcement.

Comparison of Non-Lethal Technologies

The authorization of the Active Denial System for border testing is part of a broader trend of using technology in immigration enforcement. As the DHS evaluates this system, questions remain about its safety and effectiveness. For related coverage on how agencies handle controversial incidents, see our report on how DHS faces condemnation over Rohingya refugee death.