Pentagon Transfers Heat Ray Weapon to DHS for Mexican Border

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has authorized the Department of Homeland Security to test military weaponry on the border with Mexico. The Pentagon has transferred the Active Denial System to DHS for operational tactics development.

The Active Denial System uses an invisible beam of electromagnetic waves that targets individuals from over 800 meters away. Exposure causes intense skin heating and a prickling sensation, forcing people to instinctively flee.

Conditions for temporary use

• One unit has been loaned for a seven-month period starting in September
• Military personnel will not operate the system; full responsibility lies with DHS
• Tactics for deployment are determined exclusively by the Department of Homeland Security

Developed for the Army, the system was never used in combat operations in Afghanistan. It was previously proposed for use against protesters following George Floyd's death, but the idea was rejected by leadership.

In 2018, then-DHS head rejected proposals to use the beam against migrants, stating such treatment would be equivalent to engaging enemy combatants. Border patrol experts also expressed doubts about the test's feasibility, fearing tragic consequences for civilians near the river.