California Democrats have passed a bill that would ban the use of wearable electroshock devices by law enforcement throughout the state, a move directly aimed at preventing federal immigration agents from utilizing a controversial new technology. The bill, Assembly Bill 2760, now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his signature.
The legislation was introduced in response to news that the federal government planned to allocate $20 million for the devices, known as Generated Low Output Voltage Emitters, or G.L.O.V.E. The technology is manufactured by Compliant Technologies, a Kentucky-based company.
Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins, a Democrat, criticized the potential deployment of the gloves, stating they would be in the hands of "our least trained and most lawless law enforcement," referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Democrats have frequently characterized ICE officers under the Trump administration as overly aggressive.
The Department of Homeland Security, however, described the gloves as a "de-escalation device." The department has condemned the California measure, labeling it "unconstitutional" and vowing not to comply. A statement from Homeland Security asserted that "Sanctuary politicians attempting to ban our federal law enforcement from any safety equipment is despicable and a deliberate attempt to undermine and endanger our officers." The department further stated, "The Supremacy Clause makes it clear that California’s sanctuary politicians do not control federal law enforcement."
The bill has also faced opposition from some law enforcement agencies within California. The Sacramento County sheriff's department, for instance, has already purchased 10 gloves at a cost of $35,000 and was training officers on their use. The sheriff described the device as a critical de-escalation tool that could be used instead of lethal force, acknowledging that the device causes discomfort and pain.
This action follows a similar effort last year when California enacted a law to ban the use of face masks by ICE agents, a measure that was later overturned by a federal judge.