‘Whatever tool we have’: Mullin speaks out on controversial technology at border

WASHINGTON, DC: US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has addressed the controversial weapon the Pentagon has authorized the department to test for potential use at the US-Mexico border.

Officially known as the Active Denial System (ADS), the technology is a military-grade, directed-energy weapon that could potentially be used in border operations. Its approval comes as DHS continues to evaluate technologies aimed at strengthening border security.

Mullin affirms technology evaluation on controversial heat ray weapon

DHS Sec. Markwayne Mullin said the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is “always evaluating technology on the border” after the Pentagon authorized the department to test the military-grade heat ray.

According to CNN, the heat ray emits an invisible beam of electromagnetic waves that can reach a little more than half a mile. The beam produces an intense burning sensation when it comes into contact with human skin.

As per Pentagon officials, it gives a similar “tingling sensation” as the blast of heat when opening an oven, resulting in a 10-15 minute itching and burning sensation.

The sensation generates “an instinctive and irresistible urge to run from the effect.”

“Well, listen, we’re always evaluating technology on the border,” Mullin told “The Ingraham Angle” host Laura Ingraham on Fox News on Wednesday, Oct 21.

“Deterrence is the best option we have, and so any technology we can use to deter people from trying to enter this country illegally, we’re doing that.”

Mullin added that DHS would use “whatever tool we have at our disposal” to prevent migrants from entering the United States illegally.

He said he would not comment on how the technology works but said it was “less lethal or nonlethal,” and the goal is not to deploy lethal forces unless necessary.

“But that’s our goal, or goal is to say, ‘Don’t come across. We’re not –– Our borders are closed. We’re not Democrats. We’re not going to allow you to come in and take advantage of the American people,'” he added.

How the weapon would be tested and used remains unclear

It remains unclear how the weapon will be tested or whether it will eventually be used at the border. The current and former Customs and Border Protection officials have discussed the possibility of using the technology to disperse crowds along the US-Mexico border.

A memo signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorizes the temporary loan of one Active Denial System to DHS for seven months, beginning in September 2026. The department is responsible for testing the system and developing potential tactics for its use.

A Defense Department official said DHS could request an extension of the loan period if it determines that further use of the system is necessary.

The weapon was developed by Raytheon and was deployed for combat operations in Afghanistan in 2010 but was never used there.

That same year, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said it had deployed a smaller version at a detention center in California to help “stop or lessen the severity of inmate assaults.”