ICE Plans $20 Million Purchase of Electric Shock Gloves For Officers

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers could soon be equipped with gloves capable of delivering painful electric shocks to gain compliance from people who resist arrest or detention. ICE plans to spend up to $20 million on thousands of so-called "conductive distraction and de-escalation devices" by March, according to a notice published by the Department of Homeland Security. The proposed purchase has raised concerns among civil rights advocates over how the technology could be used during immigration enforcement operations.

The devices, known as G.L.O.V.E., or Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter, are manufactured by Compliant Technologies LLC of Lexington, Kentucky. The company says the gloves function like ordinary patrol gloves until an officer activates their electrical mode using a switch. When applied directly to a person's skin, the device delivers an electrical stimulus intended to cause a brief, sharp sensation and encourage compliance. The technology has already been used by some jails and police departments in recent years.

The Department of Homeland Security said it was preparing a response to questions about the planned purchase, while the manufacturer declined to comment. The solicitation notice indicated that a no-bid contract could potentially be published as early as Friday. The planned acquisition is expected to be one of the largest purchases of the devices by a law enforcement agency, according to John Peters, president of the Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths, who has studied their use.

Also Read: ICE Ordered To Suspend Most Vehicle Stops Following Two Fatal Shootings Under Trump

Supporters of the technology say the gloves can help officers manage confrontations without relying solely on physical force. Peters said they could potentially be used when officers encounter people resisting removal from vehicles, homes or detention facilities. However, he also acknowledged that some misuse could occur and said ICE would need strong policies and training. The manufacturer requires officers to complete training before using the devices and to undergo recertification every two years.

The proposal has drawn strong criticism from civil rights groups, particularly because ICE officers are already facing scrutiny over their use of force during the Trump administration's immigration enforcement campaign. Jenn Rolnick Borchetta of the American Civil Liberties Union questioned why such devices would be necessary for civil immigration enforcement and warned that individuals could be shocked without advance warning. She argued that giving officers an easily activated tool capable of causing pain could increase the risk of excessive force.

Compliant Technologies says the gloves should not be used as punishment or against people who are merely verbally defiant or belligerent. The company also warns against using them on high-risk groups, including children, pregnant women, elderly people and people with disabilities. While supporters argue that the devices can shorten physical confrontations, critics say their use by immigration officers could create significant accountability concerns. The debate is likely to intensify if ICE proceeds with the proposed purchase and begins deploying the technology.

Also Read: Third Death In A Week Reported After Florida Man Flees US Immigration Agents