ICE to Equip Officers with Electric Shock Gloves

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers might soon use gloves capable of delivering electric shocks, designed to gain compliance from combative individuals. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced plans to allocate up to $20 million for the purchase of these devices, known as the G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter), by March. Manufactured by Compliant Technologies LLC, they have already been deployed in some jails and police departments.

Currently, there is no comment from DHS regarding an inquiry from the Associated Press. Jeff Niklaus, CEO of Compliant Technologies, expressed an inability to discuss the matter. The no-bid contract solicitation may be published as soon as Friday.

Civil rights advocates are concerned about the plan, noting ICE’s existing criticism for its use of force with limited oversight, especially during the enforcement of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

These devices function like regular gloves until a switch is activated. They must contact the skin directly to deliver a pain stimulus, reportedly aiding compliance within seconds. John Peters, president of the Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths, commented on their sharp and immediate effect, likening it to a bee sting. Peters believes this could be ICE’s largest order from Compliant Technologies to date and envisions the gloves aiding in removing uncooperative subjects from vehicles and buildings.

The manufacturer advises against using the gloves as punishment or on vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. They also caution against use for verbal defiance or belligerence. Despite these warnings, Jenn Rolnick Borchetta of the ACLU expressed skepticism about ICE’s appropriate use of the devices, questioning their necessity in civil immigration enforcement.

Advocates argue the gloves could lead to abuse, stating that ICE officers, already perceived as quick to use force, may misuse the devices. Peters acknowledges potential misuse by a minority of employees, as with other policing tools, but he expects minimal injury risks if comprehensive policies and training are in place. Officers need to complete training and recertify biannually to use the gloves.