This case challenges the abusive use of a full-body restraint device called the WRAP during deportation flights. The WRAP restrains the legs, with the arms cuffed at the back. It is supposed to leave the restrained individual seated, upright, in a 90-degree position so that the lungs and airways are free from compression. According to The WRAP’s manufacturer, the device is a temporary restraint system designed for emergency stabilization only, and no one should ever be left alone in The WRAP.

Instead, Plaintiffs were restrained in the WRAP to silence them and other migrants and punish them for previous protests. They were left alone in the device for hours during transatlantic flights to Cameroon, in some instances as they tried to alert officers to their medical issues and pain from the tightened strap folding their bodies into an acute angle stress position.

Why is this a key case?

In the last decade, reports of egregious physical abuse on deportation flights, including beatings, taser shocks, “body bag”-like restraint devices, shackles, and denial of access to the bathroom during lengthy flights. This case challenges impunity for these abusive practices.

What is the status of this case?

Pending court decision on defendants’ motion to transfer or dismiss.

How is RFK Human Rights supporting?

RFK Human Rights, alongside the Center for Constitutional Rights and the Texas A&M School of Law Civil Rights Clinic and Immigrant Rights Clinic, represents the plaintiffs in their lawsuit.

Name of the case (as it appears in the respective legal mechanism)

J.K.A. et al. v. United States of America et al., 1:23-cv-02273 (D.D.C. filed Aug. 7, 2023);

K.N.N et al. v. United States of America et al., 1:23-cv-02748 (D.D.C. filed Sept. 19, 2023)

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Month/Year of filing

August and September 2023

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Legal mechanism in which the case is being litigated

U.S. Federal District Court, District of Columbia

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Rights and legal instruments alleged violated (or found to have been violated)

Administrative Procedures Act, Federal Tort Claims Act, and laws of the state of Louisiana and District of Columbia

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Procedural stage

Pending

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Counsel

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, Center for Constitutional Rights and the Texas A&M School of Law Civil Rights Clinic and Immigrant Rights Clinic

June 27, 2024
Defendants’ reply memorandum in support of motion to transfer or dismiss

Feb. 20, 2024
Defendants’ memorandum in law in support of motion to transfer or dismiss

Sept. 19, 2023
Complaint filed

Deported Cameroonian Asylum Seekers Returned to U.S