U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to equip its officers with gloves capable of delivering electric shocks, a move costing up to $20 million. The devices, officially known as the Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter (GLOVE), are designed to incapacitate individuals within seconds by causing pain through skin contact.
These gloves function as standard patrol gloves until an officer activates their electrical mode. They are intended for use as "conductive distraction and de-escalation devices." The planned acquisition suggests the agency intends to supply them to a significant portion, if not all, of its officers.
The rollout follows criticism of ICE's apprehension tactics. The devices have reportedly been used by some local departments, primarily within correctional facilities rather than on the streets, where ICE officers have faced protests over force used during immigration enforcement operations.
Critics, including Democratic elected officials and civil rights advocates, have labeled the plan as unnecessary and cruel. New York Attorney General Letitia James stated that ICE officers misusing the gloves in her state could face legal consequences.
The Department of Homeland Security, ICE's parent agency, issued a statement asserting that "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 statement did not specifically address the shock gloves or the reasoning behind their selection.
Concerns about the devices' safety have been raised, including a lawsuit alleging a man's death in 2024 after he was shocked multiple times with similar gloves and a Taser. Court documents from an internal investigation indicated that some glove shocks exceeded the manufacturer's recommended duration, potentially increasing the risk of serious health complications.
An Associated Press review identified at least two other lawsuits alleging injuries from the gloves, though both were dismissed. One involved a man with heart issues shocked at a trade show, and another described a defendant being unnecessarily shocked in court.
Congressional Democrats, such as Reps. Pramila Jayapal, Maxwell Frost, and Delia Ramirez, have expressed opposition, with Jayapal stating the gloves provide ICE "another dangerous tool to target citizens and immigrants alike."
The manufacturer's manual warns against using the gloves on certain populations ICE agents frequently encounter, including the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with severe handicaps. It also states the devices should not be used in response to verbal defiance or for punishment.
Former ICE acting director John Sandweg expressed concern about potential misuse, noting that the maker of Taser phased out a similar feature due to documented instances of misuse. Law professor Michael Mannheimer echoed these concerns, questioning whether officers might use the gloves prematurely or excessively, bypassing less forceful options.
The solicitation for the no-bid contract to purchase the gloves was expected to be released as early as Friday, with the contract intended to last through March 31, 2027. The founder of the company that manufactures the gloves declined to comment.