Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to equip officers with gloves that deliver painful electric shocks. This initiative has faced significant criticism from Democratic officials and civil rights advocates. Critics describe the devices as unnecessary and cruel.
ICE intends to spend between $10 million and $20 million on these gloves, termed as “conductive distraction and de-escalation devices.” These gloves, known as the G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter), appear normal until activated to deliver a shock directly to the skin. This function aims to gain compliance from resistant individuals. Unlike Tasers, these gloves do not leave marks.
Widespread Distribution Plans
The planned purchase size indicates the gloves may be provided to most ICE officers. While local departments have used them more frequently in jails, protests have emerged against their use by ICE officers on the streets who are tasked with enforcing immigration policies.
Response from Officials
New York Attorney General Letitia James expressed outrage, emphasizing potential legal consequences for misuse in her state. The Department of Homeland Security, ICE’s overseeing agency, noted in a statement that they regularly assess the needs of officers for safe arrest and removal operations but did not directly address the glove purchases.
Lawsuit and Safety Concerns
While marketed as nonlethal, ongoing litigation alleges a 43-year-old died in 2024 after being shocked repeatedly by these gloves and a Taser. Investigations highlighted extended shock durations exceeding manufacturer limits. Other lawsuits allege injuries at a trade show and in court, although these cases were dismissed.
Democratic leaders, such as Reps. Pramila Jayapal, Maxwell Frost, and Delia Ramirez, voiced opposition to ICE acquiring another tool perceived as dangerous. Jayapal emphasized this tool fails to enhance safety and threatens both citizens and immigrants.
Concerns About Misuse
The manufacturer advises against using the gloves on certain vulnerable populations, including the elderly and children. A former ICE director and a law professor both expressed concerns over potential misuse, urging that the availability of these gloves could lead to inappropriate use.
The Taser’s maker recently removed a similar feature, indicating past misuse issues. There is fear that the gloves could encourage unnecessary force.
The contract notice for purchasing the gloves suggests a possible release within days and a contract lasting through March 2027. Compliant Technologies LLC, the gloves’ manufacturer, declined to comment.