ICE's Alleged Warhead Purchase Likely a Cataloging Mistake

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recorded an expenditure of $61,218 labeled as 'guided missile warheads and explosive components' in a federal contracting system.

This transaction is summarized as the acquisition of various diversionary tools aimed at enhancing law enforcement operations under the ICE Office of Firearms and Tactical Programs.

An article by Popular Information scrutinized this entry, highlighting a significant increase—approximately 700%—in ICE's purchases in the 'small arms, ordnance, and ordnance accessories manufacturing' sector between 2024 and 2025. WIRED's analysis showed a 636% increase for the same period. The payment gained public attention following a viral Tweet by Democratic state senator Chris Larson.

Concerns about ICE equipping its agents with warheads are likely unfounded. The named supplier, Quantico Tactical, indicated they do not sell such munitions. Quantico Tactical specializes in various firearms and tactical gear, not explosive warheads. Company founder David Hensley explained that the product code is likely a mistake.

Hensley clarified that Quantico Tactical neither supplies nor does ICE likely procure 'Guided Missile Warheads.' The remaining details of this transaction appear accurate, although the exact PSC should be verified.

Contracting codes are determined by government agencies rather than private suppliers. Hensley did not comment on the proper PSC nor clarified the nature of the acquired 'distraction devices.' However, ICE's past transactions in September 2024 and August 2025 for similar devices suggest a focus on non-lethal training programs.

These payments were allocated for training via the ICE Office of Firearms and Tactical Programs, marked under codes related to 'chemical weapons and equipment,' hinting at items like smoke generators.

An ICE manual from 2021 on 'Firearms and Use of Force' discusses the approved deployment of chemical agents such as smoke and tear gas. Yet, Quantico Tactical does not list these munitions for sale, although it offers related accessories.

Despite requests, ICE did not offer any comments to WIRED.

Importantly, ICE has never previously used the PSC for 'guided missile warheads and explosive components.' The Federal Procurement Data System Manual of 2024 details several related codes, none of which ICE has used besides a few minor coding discrepancies.

For instance, a 2007 ICE payment under the missile repair category described a vehicle collision repair, illustrating the misuse of coding. Such inaccurate records indicate administrative rather than procurement activities.

In another case, ICE's 2007 transaction with Atlantic Driving Supply Incorporated carried the code for 'guided missile components,' but simply concerned 'Holographic sight'—a non-explosive optical device.

Across the country, ICE's recent escalation in tactical operations has led to significant protests, often involving the use of tear gas and pepper spray.

Notable incidents have been reported in cities like Chicago and Portland. For example, in Portland, ICE agents deployed tear gas extensively. In Chicago, a federal inquiry scrutinized their use of chemical agents amid local unrest.