ICE to Acquire Electric Shock Gloves for Compliance
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) is reportedly planning to introduce gloves capable of delivering painful electric shocks to gain compliance from uncooperative individuals.
According to a notice from the Department of Homeland Security, ICE intends to invest up to $20 million in thousands of these “conducted distraction and de-escalation devices” by March.
These gloves, referred to as GLOVE (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter), are produced by Compliant Technologies LLC based in Lexington, Kentucky, and have seen use in certain prisons and police departments over the years.
The Department of Homeland Security mentioned that they are currently working on a response to an investigation by the Associated Press, but had no immediate comments. Jeff Niklaus, the CEO of Compliant Technologies, noted he couldn’t discuss the matter either.
The contract for these gloves could be finalized as soon as Friday.
This plan has raised concerns among civil rights advocates, who argue that ICE agents have already been criticized for using force without sufficient oversight, particularly during the heightened immigration enforcement seen under former President Trump.
Compliant Technologies emphasizes that the gloves function as standard patrol equipment until activated to deliver an electric shock. The company claims that officers need to place the gloves directly on the skin to administer the shock, which is designed to elicit compliance almost instantly.
“It’s quick and sharp—it can be described like a bee sting,” shared John Peters, director of the Institute for the Prevention of Deaths in Custody, which is observing the use of this device. He suggested it could be particularly useful for officers facing resistance.
Peters anticipates that this acquisition could be the largest contract for Compliant Technologies to date and speculated that ICE might utilize these gloves to assist with controlling uncooperative individuals during arrests or at detention facilities.
He mentioned that the gloves could be beneficial for officers who might be smaller, less physically imposing, or older.
However, the manufacturer has cautioned against using the device on those merely being verbally defiant, or among vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities.
Jen Rolnick Borchetta from the ACLU raised questions about whether ICE officers would use the gloves appropriately. She expressed concern over their potential use in civilian immigration enforcement and the lack of any prior warning for those who may be shocked.
“ICE has demonstrated a tendency to resort to force too quickly,” she remarked, emphasizing that the easy ability to inflict severe pain through these gloves could pose significant risks.
Supporters of the device argue that its use would be limited to specific settings, such as prisons or during transport, rather than for routine patrol. Compliant Technologies maintains the device has been effective in managing violent suspects and individuals who pose a threat to themselves or officers.
Peters did indicate he expects some misuse of the technology by a minority of personnel, but he feels the risks of serious injury are low, stressing the need for solid policies and training for ICE personnel.
For officers to utilize this device, they must undergo a training course and be recertified every two years, according to the manufacturer.
