Pete Hegseth has reportedly given DHS permission to test ‘heat ray’ for use at US-Mexico border

The Active Denial System, known as a 'heat ray', shoots an energy beam causing an intolerable sensation of intense heat on the skin, creating reflexive movement such as ducking or running. The Pentagon memo permits DHS to use the system for potential operations at the southern border, with the option to extend the loan period if needed.

Technology Background

The system produces an invisible beam of 95 gigahertz that penetrates about 1/64th of an inch into the skin, causing a burning sensation lasting 10-15 minutes. Pentagon officials compare the feeling to opening a hot oven, though it's technically not a 'heat ray' as it uses millimeter waves rather than infrared.

Previous Attempts

The US military initially deployed the Active Denial System to Afghanistan nearly 20 years ago but quickly withdrew it without ever using it. CBP officials previously considered using the device for areas with high illegal crossings or crowd dispersal, but it was never deployed.

During the first Trump administration, officials sought to use the system in 2018 to stop migrants at the border and in 2020 to control protests in Washington DC following George Floyd's killing. The new memo states DHS will be solely responsible for the system's employment and development of tactics.