ICE Faces Backlash Over Purchase of Electric Shock Gloves

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently awarded a $16.7 million contract to acquire 6,000 pairs of gloves capable of delivering painful electric shocks. These gloves are intended to help officers manage detainees and protesters who resist. Despite objections from civil rights advocates and Democratic members of Congress, ICE proceeded with the purchase.

Civil rights advocates and Democrats have expressed concern over the potential misuse of these gloves. The gloves were purchased through a no-bid contract from Compliant Technologies LLC, a Kentucky-based company. The contract includes both the devices and support equipment and services over the next six months.

Opposition comes in light of existing critiques regarding ICE officers’ use of force, which is perceived as having insufficient oversight and accountability. A notice regarding the purchase was published after a group of senators led by Democrat Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada urged ICE to cancel the plan. In their letter, the senators questioned the necessity and safety of these devices.

The senators highlighted the misuse of force in various locations across the U.S., casting doubt on ICE’s ability to safely implement the use of these gloves. The letter argued that the gloves pose considerable risks, especially if deployed without stringent limits, proper training, and oversight.

ICE’s notice described the gloves as conductive distraction and de-escalation devices. They function as normal patrol gloves until activated with a button to deliver electrical shocks. The devices require direct skin contact to deliver pain intended for gaining compliance from resisting individuals, suitable for use in high-tension situations such as arrests and crowd control.

The gloves aim to reduce the need for more severe force, such as firearms, by allowing officers to control situations quickly and prevent injuries. While ICE mentions policy, training, and accountability standards for the use of these gloves, further details are not provided.

Despite opposition, the Department of Homeland Security defended the glove purchase. They dismissed criticism from federal law makers against providing safety equipment to law enforcement officers.