On September 19, 2025, a payment of $61,218 labeled for “guided missile warheads and explosive components” was recorded in a federal contracting database under the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The payment was supposedly for devices supporting law enforcement operations, but concerns arose regarding the intended purchase.
An article from Popular Information highlighted this payment amid a broader context revealing a 700% increase in ICE’s spending on small arms and ordnance accessories between 2024 and 2025. The attention was further fueled by a viral post from Democratic Senator Chris Larson.
However, it appears the reference to guided missile warheads was a clerical error. David Hensley, the CEO of Quantico Tactical—listed as the supplier—clarified that they do not sell explosive devices. He suggested that ICE’s use of the Product and Service Code (PSC) was likely incorrect and not reflective of the actual items supplied.
PSCs are generated by the contracting office within a government agency, not the contractor. Although Hensley refrained from specifying what the correct PSC should have been, it was noted that ICE had made past payments to Quantico Tactical for “distraction devices,” which were categorized under different PSCs, not related to guided missiles.
ICE’s own documentation, such as their Firearms and Use of Force handbook from 2021, allows for the use of chemical munitions under specific approval but does not include devices like flamethrowers. The exact nature of the devices purchased remains unclear, as Quantico Tactical does not list any items such as smoke bombs or chemical agents on their website.
Notably, this is not the first time ICE has erroneously used codes related to missile technology. Historical records showcase instances of similar errors that likely stem from administrative issues.
Recent months have seen ICE intensify its operational activities, leading to widespread protests and heavy scrutiny regarding the use of chemical agents such as tear gas during these confrontations with demonstrators.
In summary, while initial interpretations suggested a purchase of weaponry inappropriate for ICE, the marking appears to stem from an error in coding rather than an actual acquisition of military-grade explosives.
