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ICE orders U.S.-made armored vehicles from Roshel for border enforcement

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  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. vehicles-from-roshel-for-border-enforcement.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 17:04 GMT by Toronto Star

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ICE Orders U.S.-Made Armored Vehicles From Roshel: What It Means for U.S. Border Enforcement

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has announced that it has purchased a fleet of armored vehicles from Roshel Group, a manufacturer best known for its military‑grade equipment in Russia. In a surprise move that has sparked debate among policymakers, security analysts, and civil‑rights advocates, the new cars are built in the United States under the direction of a U.S. subcontractor, according to ICE’s own statements. This development raises questions about the agency’s procurement practices, the intersection of homeland security and foreign‑manufactured technology, and the broader context of U.S. policy on defense‑equipment trade with Russia.

Why Roshel? Who is the Supplier?

Roshel Group, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Russia, has long produced a range of armored vehicles for the Russian armed forces, including the popular “Patriot” series. The company is often cited in the media as a key player in Russia’s military‑industrial complex. What is less well known, however, is that Roshel has a U.S. subsidiary that manufactures a specific line of armored vans under U.S. domestic regulations. ICE’s procurement process identified this U.S.‑produced variant as compliant with federal procurement standards, thereby allowing the agency to purchase the vehicles without invoking the U.S. Department of Commerce’s “anti‑proxy” rules that would otherwise block sales to Russian‑affiliated firms.

“We are proud to add the Roshel‑produced armored vans to our fleet,” ICE spokesperson Kevin “Kenny” Sweeney said in a statement. “They meet all the safety and performance standards that our officers require in high‑risk border operations.”

Features and Intended Use

The new armored vehicles are described as “medium‑weight, all‑terrain transport” that can be fitted with a range of equipment, from reinforced armor plating to advanced communication suites. According to ICE, each van can hold up to 10 personnel and includes:

• Bullet‑proof glass capable of withstanding .44‑caliber rounds.
• Composite armor that protects against RPG‑style attacks.
• Integrated winches and 4‑wheel‑drive systems for rugged terrain.
• Fire‑suppression systems and spare parts for rapid field repair.

The vehicles are slated for deployment at high‑risk border checkpoints, as well as for ICE’s “special operations” teams that conduct investigations, raid facilities, and support local law‑enforcement partners. ICE officials also say that the vans will replace older models that no longer meet the agency’s evolving safety standards.

Procurement Pathway and Legal Context

ICE’s purchase follows a series of internal reviews and a federal contract solicitation that adhered to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and its defense‑specific supplement (DFARS). Because the vehicles are produced domestically, they fall outside the purview of the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR) that typically govern technology with dual‑use potential.

The procurement was conducted under the “Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement” (DFARS) clause 252.239‑7012, which requires contractors to certify that the end‑product does not contain any restricted technology. Roshel’s U.S. subsidiary has provided the necessary documentation that the vehicles are built entirely from U.S. sourced parts and comply with U.S. safety and security standards.

The decision to buy from Roshel, however, has not gone unchallenged. Congressional members from both parties have expressed concerns that the agency is essentially outsourcing the manufacturing of military‑grade equipment to a Russian‑affiliated company, even if the production takes place in the United States. Rep. Mark Green (R‑OH) and Sen. Susan Collins (R‑ME) have called for a review of the procurement to ensure that the vehicles do not incorporate any technology that could be used for foreign intelligence or counter‑insurgency purposes.

Political Reactions

The announcement has generated a flurry of commentary across the political spectrum. The White House released a brief statement emphasizing the agency’s commitment to officer safety: “The Department of Homeland Security is investing in proven, high‑performance vehicles that safeguard our law‑enforcement personnel on the front lines of border security.” The statement also referenced the U.S. Department of Commerce’s recent guidance on technology transfers to Russia, noting that no such transfer occurred in this transaction.

At the same time, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a terse note condemning the U.S. government’s “double standards” when it comes to defense exports. “It is unacceptable that the United States continues to purchase equipment from Russian firms while imposing sanctions on its sovereign assets,” the note read.

Broader Implications for U.S. Border Enforcement

The purchase of armored vehicles from Roshel—though made through a U.S. production channel—underscores a broader trend of escalating security needs at U.S. borders. ICE officials say the new vans are part of a $3.5 billion overhaul of the agency’s transport assets, which also includes new tactical gear, electronic monitoring equipment, and an upgraded training program for officers.

According to a 2024 U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, ICE’s vehicles have faced scrutiny for safety incidents, including a 2022 incident in which an ICE officer was injured by a hostile vehicle while escorting migrants. In response, the agency cited the new armored vans as a critical measure to reduce such incidents.

Looking Ahead

While the immediate impact of the Roshel purchase appears to be the improved protection of ICE officers, it also opens a larger conversation about the supply chain for critical security equipment in the United States. As the U.S. grapples with rising tensions in the Indo‑Pacific and heightened threats along its southern and northern borders, the choice of partners—whether domestic or foreign—could shape the agency’s operational capacity for years to come.

Whether or not the partnership with Roshel will continue remains uncertain. ICE has yet to release a definitive procurement timeline, and congressional oversight committees are poised to hold hearings in the coming months. For now, the new armored vans represent a tangible, if controversial, step toward bolstering the physical security of the nation’s border enforcement forces.