News Tear gas: ‘Harsh, terrifying’ and legal to use on civilians (and migrants) November 28, 2018 Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY Comments Off on Tear gas: ‘Harsh, terrifying’ and legal to use on civilians (and migrants) Tear gas is forbidden in war but allowed in law enforcement , and its use has come under scrutiny after U.S. border forces sprayed it on migrants.