ICE to Purchase Electroshock Gloves for Enforcement Operations

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is set to spend as much as $20 million on electroshock gloves intended for use by law enforcement officers and investigators. This information surfaced on Monday from the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Acquisition Planning and Forecasting System.

The purchase will involve the CTG-5 Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter, often referred to as a “conducted jamming and de-escalation device.” The proposal indicates that costs could range from $10 million to $20 million, with the equipment designated for both homeland security investigations and removal operations.

Designed to function almost like standard gloves, these devices allow officers to deliver an electric shock when a button is pressed. According to Compliant Technologies, the manufacturer, the current needs to make contact with the skin to be effective.

John G. Peters, director of the Institute for the Prevention of Deaths in Custody, mentioned to The Associated Press that such gloves can be a useful tool for officers dealing with resistance. He described the sensation as “immediate, sharp, and distracting,” likening it to a bee sting.

In response to inquiries about future contracts, an ICE spokesperson stated that the agency continuously evaluates the needs of field personnel to provide the necessary tools for safely apprehending and removing illegal aliens involved in criminal activities. They emphasized that all decisions regarding technology are carefully reviewed to align with law enforcement policies and standards.

ICE further noted that nearly 70% of its arrests involve “dangerous illegal aliens,” pointing out significant increases in assaults against officers, vehicle attacks, and death threats in recent years. A spokesperson explained that the agency targets individuals deemed “the worst of the worst,” including serious criminals.