Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers may soon acquire new equipment in the form of gloves designed to deliver painful electric shocks aimed at gaining compliance from individuals who resist. The agency intends to invest up to $20 million in these "conductive distraction and de-escalation devices," which are expected to be purchased by March. This information was revealed in a notice issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
The gloves, referred to as G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter), are produced by Compliant Technologies LLC, based in Lexington, Kentucky. They have previously been utilized by certain jails and police departments in the U.S. A solicitation for a no-bid contract for these devices could be published as early as Friday, according to the notice.
Civil rights advocates have raised significant concerns regarding the introduction of these devices. Critics point out that ICE officers already face scrutiny for their use of force, often operating with insufficient oversight or accountability while enforcing stringent immigration laws. Under Donald Trump's administration, the agency's use of force has frequently been called into question.
According to Compliant Technologies, the gloves function as regular patrol gloves until activated by a switch, which enables the electrical mode. The gloves must be in direct contact with a person's skin to deliver a pain stimulus meant to compel immediate compliance. John Peters, president of the Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths, described the feeling caused by the device as "immediate and sharp," likening it to a "bee sting." He stated that for uncooperative individuals, these gloves could be an effective tool for officers in need of assistance.
Peters anticipated that ICE's planned acquisition would represent the largest order for the product to date. He envisioned scenarios where ICE officers might use the gloves to handle uncompliant individuals during arrests or transfers, potentially benefiting those officers who are smaller or less physically strong.
The manufacturer has cautioned against using these devices as punitive measures or against individuals merely displaying verbal defiance. Furthermore, the gloves should not be employed on vulnerable populations, such as children, pregnant women, or elderly and disabled individuals.
enn Rolnick Borchetta, a deputy project director on policing at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), voiced concerns regarding ICE's track record with the use of force. She argued that the public should be wary of ICE’s ability to deploy electric shocks with minimal visibility and oversight. Borchetta emphasized that the introduction of these electrically conductive gloves creates significant risks for individuals involved in encounters with ICE officers.
Supporters of the technology argue that these devices have primarily been intended for use in specific contexts, such as jails or transport scenarios, rather than on the streets. They have reportedly been effective in managing violent suspects who refuse to enter squad cars and in dealing with inmates who pose threats to themselves or to officers.
Peters noted that while some misuse of the devices might occur, similar to other policing tools, serious injuries are not expected. He stressed the importance of ICE implementing comprehensive policies and training related to the use of the gloves. To operate the device, it is required that officers undergo a completion course and maintain recertification every two years, according to the manufacturer.
