ICE plans to give officers gloves that can deliver painful electric shocks
ICE may soon equip officers with gloves that deliver painful electric shocks to gain compliance from combative individuals.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to spend up to $20 million on thousands of “conductive distraction and de-escalation devices” by March, according to a Department of Homeland Security notice published Monday. The G.L.O.V.E., or Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter, is made by Compliant Technologies LLC of Lexington, Kentucky, and has been used by some jails and police departments.
A no-bid contract solicitation could be published as early as Friday.
Civil rights advocates expressed alarm, citing criticism of ICE’s use of force and limited oversight under President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
The company says the gloves function normally until a switch activates their electrical mode. They must contact bare skin, delivering a pain stimulus that typically gains compliance within seconds. John Peters of the Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths called it “immediate and sharp,” comparing it to a bee sting.
Peters said the purchase could be the company’s largest and envisioned use during removals from vehicles, homes and detention facilities, particularly benefiting smaller, older or weaker officers.
The manufacturer warns against using the device as punishment, for verbal defiance or belligerence, or on children, pregnant women, elderly or disabled people. Supporters say they are mainly used in jails and transports to subdue violent or self-harming individuals.
Peters expects some misuse but said injuries are unlikely. ICE would need strong policies and training. Officers must complete training and recertify every two years.
