Criticism Over ICE’s Planned Use of Electric Shock Gloves

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) faces backlash over a controversial plan to equip officers with gloves capable of delivering painful electric shocks. The proposal, set to cost between $10 million and $20 million, involves outfitting officers with conductive distraction and de-escalation devices known as G.L.O.V.E., or Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter.

These devices appear as ordinary patrol gloves until activated by a button, enabling an electrical mode that delivers pain and encourages compliance from resistant individuals. Unlike Tasers, these gloves do not leave physical marks. Public concern emerged due to their planned widespread distribution, suggesting that most ICE officers may receive them.

New York Attorney General Letitia James expressed outrage, stating that any misuse of the gloves in her state could lead to criminal and civil consequences. The Department of Homeland Security issued a statement without addressing the specific product or its selection rationale. It emphasized ensuring officers have necessary tools while adhering to law enforcement policies.

ICE is constantly assessing the needs of our officers in the field to ensure they have the tools and equipment necessary to safely arrest and remove criminal illegal aliens from our country.

A pending lawsuit charges the gloves contributed to a man’s death in 2024 after excessive shocks, raising safety concerns despite being marketed as safe. An internal investigation revealed prolonged shock durations that exceeded recommended limits, heightening discomfort and health risks.

Democratic Representatives, including Pramila Jayapal, voiced strong opposition online, stressing that the devices don’t enhance public safety but provide ICE with a further harmful tool. Misuse risks are highlighted, particularly against vulnerable populations, like the elderly, children, pregnant women, and the handicapped.

Former ICE acting director John Sandweg and law professor Michael Mannheimer echo these concerns, fearing misuse due to the gloves’ easy accessibility. The user manual advises against application for non-threatening scenarios.

Plans for a no-bid contract to procure the gloves could launch soon, with the contract extending until March 31, 2027. Compliant Technologies LLC, which produces the gloves, declined comment on the issue.

Additional reporting by Associated Press writer Claudia Lauer.