Senators and Advocates Protest ICE’s Purchase of Electric Shock Gloves

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has awarded a $16.7 million contract for 6,000 pairs of gloves that deliver electric shocks, aimed at controlling detainees and protesters who resist. This decision has met with opposition from civil rights advocates and Democratic members of Congress.

The contract, which did not undergo competitive bidding, has been awarded to Compliant Technologies LLC, a Kentucky-based manufacturer. Along with the gloves, the deal includes support equipment and services for the next six months.

Civil rights advocates have criticized ICE for its use of force amid the immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump, highlighting the agency’s lack of oversight and accountability.

“The blatant and tragic misuse of force in Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis, Houston, Maine, and other locations around the country raises significant skepticism about the agency’s professional capability to safely deploy a new tool that could be used to harm Americans without cause,” stated the letter addressed to ICE from Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and her colleagues.

The gloves, designed to provide electric shocks when activated by an officer, are intended for use in high-tension situations such as arrests, detainee transport, and civil disturbances. They aim to maintain control, prevent aggression, and avoid more severe forms of force like firearms.

Despite ICE’s assurance of approved policy, training, and accountability standards, senators have expressed concern over substantial risks if used during civil arrests. They have urged ICE to disclose details about training and review processes to prevent misuse.

The Department of Homeland Security has defended the purchase as a necessary measure for officer safety, accusing critics of undermining federal law enforcement.