The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is pursuing the purchase of electric shock gloves for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, according to documents submitted by the agency. DHS seeks to acquire up to $20 million worth of devices known as G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter), described as a "Conductive Distraction and De-escalation Device."
These gloves are designed to deliver an electric shock comparable to a Taser, serving as an additional tool for immigration officers during arrests, sources told ABC News. A DHS spokesperson stated that ICE is continually evaluating its officers' needs to ensure they have the necessary equipment for safely arresting and removing individuals. The spokesperson added that all technology acquisitions undergo careful review to ensure compliance with law enforcement policies and standards.
Compliant Technologies, the manufacturer of the G.L.O.V.E. system, noted that the gloves require direct skin contact to be effective and are less efficient through clothing or hair. The company was unable to comment on the specific DHS purchase at this time.
The proposal comes as ICE plans to equip all agents with body-worn cameras by the end of August. ICE's acting director, David Venturella, recently affirmed the agency's commitment to transparency and accountability, a statement issued following scrutiny over agents not wearing body cameras during recent fatal shootings.
The ACLU has voiced concerns, arguing that providing immigration agents with a concealed method of inflicting pain could lead to increased harm and reduced accountability. ICE would be the first federal agency to employ this relatively new technology, which has seen use in some local jails and police departments.