California lawmakers are mounting a rapid effort to ban a new type of high-tech device intended for federal immigration agents, known as the G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter), from being used by law enforcement within the state. The push comes as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) considers spending up to $20 million to equip Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents nationwide with thousands of these wearable electroshock devices.
Assembly Bill 2760, introduced by Democratic Assembly Member Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins, was amended on August 21 to specifically target wearable electroshock devices. The legislation would prohibit their use by any law enforcement agency in California, including federal entities operating within the state. It also aims to prevent state and local agencies from using public funds to purchase the technology and would require them to update their use-of-force policies to ban it. The bill defines "wearable" broadly to include any clothing or accessory item.
Federal officials argue that the G.L.O.V.E. provides agents with an additional option for subduing combative individuals without resorting to firearms, thereby offering a less lethal alternative in dangerous encounters. The technology, manufactured by Kentucky-based Compliant Technologies, is already in use by some correctional facilities and local police departments, including the Nelson County Jail in Kentucky.
However, California lawmakers and civil rights advocates have voiced strong opposition. Assemblymember Alex Lee has criticized the technology as a "gross" tool for causing harm. A DHS spokesperson defended the agency's need for such equipment, stating, "ICE is constantly assessing the needs of our officers in the field to ensure they have the tools and equipment necessary to safely arrest and remove criminal illegal aliens from our country. Every decision is made with careful consideration and appropriately reviewed to ensure that any technology ICE utilizes is consistent with all applicable law enforcement policies and standards."
The legislative maneuver in California is moving at an accelerated pace. On Monday, the state Senate voted 30-9 to suspend procedural rules, clearing the way for the amended bill to proceed past standard deadlines. With the legislative session nearing its August 31 deadline, this fast-tracking allows lawmakers a chance to bring the bill to a final vote. Assembly Bill 2760 is currently in the Senate Rules Committee awaiting further procedural steps.
If the federal purchase is approved, thousands of ICE field agents and deportation officers are expected to be equipped with the G.L.O.V.E. devices by March 2027. California lawmakers are now working to ensure this technology does not become operational within their state.